What are the rules for sharing cars with people outside of your household?

Car sharing is allowed in certain circumstances

On Sunday 10 May, Boris Johnson urged people who cannot work from home to return to work.

The prime minister advised people to avoid public transport if possible, suggesting travelling to work via bicycle or car.

While the ideal scenario is for people to use their own vehicle to travel, this is not always possible.

Hence why the Department for Transport has issued special guidance for those who might need to share a car in order to get to work.

Here’s everything you need to know.

How can I get to work if I normally share a car with someone outside of my household?

The government has said that in these instances, you should find another way to travel.

“If you normally share a vehicle with people from other households for essential journeys, we recommend you find a different way to travel,” the Department for Transport states.

“For example, consider walking, cycling or using your own vehicle if you can.”

What if I have no other way to get to work?

If you must travel with people outside of your house, you may share a vehicle with someone.

However, the guidelines for this are strict.

The Department for Transport website states: “If you have to travel with people outside your household group, try to share the transport with the same people each time and keep to small groups of people at any one time.”

The website does not specify that these guidelines only apply to those travelling to work, but for “essential journeys”. It is up to the individual to decide what qualifies as an essential journey.

What can I do to protect myself if I’m travelling with other people?

If you are getting into a vehicle with someone else, the Department for Transport suggests wearing a face covering.

“The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms” the website states.

“This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas.”

You should also be aware of the surfaces that you or others touch on the journey, the website adds.

“If people from different households use a vehicle (for example through a car share scheme), you should clean it between journeys using gloves and standard cleaning products.

“Make sure you clean door handles, steering wheel and other areas that people may touch.”

Additionally, avoid physical contact with people outside of your household and try to face away from them.

You can read the full government guidelines here.