Quote Originally Posted by Mike Goodman View Post
Do you see a problem if one is charging for rides?
There may be a few issues related to offering and/or charging for transportation which can change your status from private use to commercial use. If you will be taking money, there are business licenses to consider along with assorted regulations that may also include local/State taxation, special Commercial vehicle or Livery registration may be needed, or operation permits to enter State/National Parks to pick up passengers depending on the State. Though I don't see an issue if you are transporting people without a fee, there is another character that enters the equation, which is insurance.

Your vehicle insurance will be at risk if you are doing this for a fee or may even be impacted without a stated fee schedule and "taking reimbursement for fuel". If there is an accident and passengers are hurt or killed, your insurer may legally surmise you were acting as a commercial transportation service and since your policy is for a private vehicle the claim can be denied, leaving you exposed to many thousands of dollars in law suits. This, to me, is the most concerning aspect that you should discuss with your insurer and see what they recommend. Your insurer makes the rules on this and may have special call out provisions about transportation reimbursements or "donations" that differ from local or State codes.

Then there is the issue of taxation by County or State if it's found you are operating a service and receiving income (remuneration) for your time. Remuneration can be a serious issue if its found you are doing business (picking up passengers that starts the transportation voyage) within the boundaries of States or Counties that needs to be looked at carefully as each State and County has their own taxation schedules and rules. The IRS may look at this issue as well if you are deriving income.

While I applaud the effort to help hikers move about the trail systems without fee, legally there are some serious hurdles to clear. Remember, law suits against you can surface if there is an accident caused by you or another driver, claims (legit or otherwise) for missing gear during transit, even minor injuries like cutting a finger on something sharp in the trunk or rear of the vehicle. We are a litigious society unfortunately, the only vaccination to this is insurance and for that, you need to play by their rules along with the appropriate local authority.