A passenger is an occupant of a car, train, boat, airplane, or other transportation vehicle other than the person operating it or a member of the crew. Generally, a passenger is owed a duty of care by a carrier. However, some states draw a distinction between paying passengers (passengers for hire) and non-paying passengers (guest passengers). Under Guest Statutes, guest passengers are prevented from suing the driver when the passenger is hurt as a result of the simple negligence of the driver.
[Last updated in August of 2020 by the Wex Definitions Team]