Allows a driver to legally register, smog, and insure their car against any mayhem that may be caused by it, for one thing.
The “it’s only a phone call” argument doesn’t hold water. Ordering an action is morally the same as being a participant. I mean, if you called up your uncle Vinny and told him to break my kneecaps, would “it’s only a phone call” defend you against charges of assault and battery?