Is it legal for an employer to forbid men & women from riding together in the same vehicle?

Question

I live in Texas and our boss has a "policy" that male and female employees cannot ride together to lunch or anywhere else in the same vehicle. Is that legal?

Answer 1

It wouldn't be illegal.

He's trying to head off any sexual discrimination cases that might occur if employees get too chummy in the car.  He's probably a bit uptight about it, but I'm guessing he feels better safe than sorry.

Answer 2

Oh, well, so much for car-pooling.

And with gas at $4 a gallon, no less.

Maybe your boss has a lot of oil stock.

He sounds like a tyrant and/or a nut case. Maybe he is just trying to be overly politically correct.  

I seriously doubt that he has a right to dictate policies concerning people who are on their own time, in their own cars, and off company property.

On the other hand, perhaps there have been incidents involving sexual harassment.  Under some ancient laws, an employer can be legally liable for the conduct of his employees while at work, in particular if the employees are riding together for purposes related to their jobs.

Answer 3

I find it impossible to believe that an employer in these United States could even dream that he has that kind of control over his employees. WTF does he think he owns you! I would seriously find another job! not only that i would try him and ride by his window daily with other employees in the car of the opposite s*x just to get fired so i could sue him for wrongful firing and expose him to the media! Is this guy for real ? sounds like something from the middle east!  

Answer 4

Generally, it is no legal to restrict or prohibit employees from doing things that are legal and outside of work.  For instance, if you are over 21, you can drink alcoholic beverages away from work or smoke away from work and, in most states, your employer cannot punish you for doing so.  

So, can your employer prevent you from riding with a male or female friend, away from work?  Probably not.  

However, could he fire you for violating his policies?  Perhaps.  Could you contest at unemployment, etc.?  probably, but where does that get you?  If you work for someone who is so strange that he is trying to prevent you from riding with someone of the opposite s*x, what else does he do that's weird?  Maybe it's time to find another job!

Answer 5

okay what your boss is doing i call segregation. or racism. you must know what you need. its your choice. your boss cant tell you who rides with you. i prologize if i get this thing wrong if you are a guy or girl. well if your girl he cant tell you that your boyfriend cant ride with you or if you are a guy he/she cant tell you your girl friend cant ride with you. this is AMerica and if you and ya best friend was with you he/she cant tell you no riding together. you can actually i think tell the police. i'm not sure.you can call Oprah and tell her... well if you need anything just email me!

Answer 6

It's probably not illegal, but it is VERY weird.

Answer 7

odd very odd illegal i would say probably but who cares?  what are your damages?  i mean dumb but not really worth fighting.