California Civil Code § 2100

Under California Civil Code § 2100, a common carrier — a bus, taxi, train, or rideshare that transports passengers for reward — must use the utmost care and diligence for passengers’ safe carriage, a higher standard than ordinary negligence.

Reviewed against the current statutory text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. This page is legal information, not legal advice.

Exact Statute Text

Read the full, current section at the official source: Cal. Civ. Code § 2100 (leginfo).

In Plain English

• Heightened duty: common carriers owe the utmost care and diligence — more than the ordinary reasonable-care standard.
• Who qualifies: buses, trains, taxis, shuttles, and rideshare services carrying passengers for reward.
• Must provide everything necessary for safe carriage and exercise a reasonable degree of skill.
• Easier to prove liability: the higher standard means smaller lapses can establish a breach.

Key Terms Defined

Common carrier

A business that transports passengers for reward — buses, taxis, trains, rideshare — subject to the utmost-care duty.

Utmost care and diligence

The heightened standard of care § 2100 imposes on carriers — higher than ordinary negligence.

Reasonable degree of skill

The competence a carrier must exercise to safely transport passengers.

Purpose & Context

Section 2100 recognizes that passengers entrust their safety entirely to a carrier, so it imposes the highest practical duty of care. This makes it easier for an injured passenger to hold a bus line or rideshare accountable.

Real-World Example

A bus driver brakes abruptly and a seated passenger is thrown and injured. Because § 2100 requires the carrier to use the utmost care and diligence, even a modest lapse in caution can establish a breach and support the passenger’s claim.

Civil Code § 2100 at a glance

Related California Statutes

• Civil Code § 1714 — the ordinary duty of care
• CCP § 335.1 — the 2-year deadline
• California Uber & rideshare accident lawyer

Why 2100 Matters

For injured people & families

As a passenger, you are owed the highest standard of care — which makes a bus line, taxi, or rideshare easier to hold accountable when you are hurt. See our California bus accident lawyer page.

For defendants

Common carriers face a heightened duty, so conduct that might not breach ordinary care can still create liability under § 2100.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a common carrier in California?

A business that transports passengers for reward — buses, taxis, trains, and rideshare — owing the utmost care under Civil Code § 2100.

Do rideshare and taxis owe a higher duty?

As carriers of passengers for reward, they are generally held to the heightened utmost-care standard of § 2100.

Why does the higher standard matter?

It means even a small lapse in caution can establish a breach, making liability easier to prove for injured passengers.

How long do I have to file?

Generally two years from the injury under CCP § 335.1.