Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general the law assumes a vehicle is being operated with its owner's permission.

The mortality rates are affected by laws that increase penalties that make revocation automatic or target social hosts. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices all have minimal effects.

Legal Definitions

The laws governing motor vehicle accidents vehicle legal terms are formulated and decided at the state level. The various federal definitions used for national requirements for fuel economy and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly to serve administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states determining their own registration classifications. These vehicle classifications determine whether a driver requires special licenses to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

The laws of the state define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and many more. For instance the definition of light truck encompasses any motor vehicle that has an rated carrying capacity by the manufacturer of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. This is any vehicle or combination of vehicles that is specifically designed to transport passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair conveyance is a machine with wheels, used primarily by persons who have physical disabilities that make them cannot walk as pedestrians. A moped is a motor vehicle with no more than three wheels that come into contact with the ground that is able to travel at a speed of not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a motorized vehicle that is propelled by a driver who is sitting on it. The owner of the vehicle is the person who holds the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own motor vehicle laws that cover everything from registration process to the insurance requirements. These statutes also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by law. Some of these laws are identical across states, but other laws differ significantly. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of persons that can be transported in the pedicab. There are laws against reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance, a parking lots.

A person who operates a motor vehicle that is in contravention of these laws could be penalized and liable for fines for doing so. The penalties could vary from having your driver's license suspended and being required to attend a traffic school.

The law that regulates speed limits on roads is among the most important laws states have. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as it is for automobiles.

The law also sets out the definition of the term "motor vehicle." This covers every description of a vehicle or device that is powered by mechanical energy and employed on a public highway for the transportation of people or property, or for any other commercial purpose. It excludes semitrailers and trailers such as coaches or house trailers, vehicles that run only on tracks or rails snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicle and motorized mobility aids that are operated by a person who has a disability and self-propelled hay harvesting or corn harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract which protects the insurer against financial losses in the event of bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third party arising from operating, ownership, maintenance or use of an insured vehicle. It can also provide protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle. It must mention the address and name of the named insured and the amount of coverage offered by the policy, as well as the premium charged therefor, motor vehicle the period of its effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or an endorsement that states that the insurance offered is in compliance with the coverage that is specifically outlined for bodily injury or death, or property damage.

The language of a motor vehicle policy can be confusing to the average person, and Duncanville law firms often recommend that individuals review an example policy to be aware of the terms. One of the most common areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase appears often in statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial accountability laws.

Examples of the coverages that are covered under the motor vehicle accident lawyers policy include commercial auto coverage for vehicles used for business, commercial establishments or other activities, employment or occupations performed for profit, and automobile liability insurance, which includes PIP MP, PIP, and uninsured and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to carry this kind of insurance.

Permissive Use

It is essential to understand how insurance coverage will work if someone other than the named insured or a family member is driving your vehicle and causes an accident. This is known as permissive use and the specific terms of your policy may differ however, generally speaking, all large car insurance companies provide this type of coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that you are responsible for any damages caused by a driver with your permission. Permission can be given in writing or implied, and usually does not have to be recorded.

In determining whether there is implied permission, courts will look at the relationship between the parties; their prior conduct and usage of the vehicle; as well as the circumstances surrounding the particular driving event. A court will also consider whether any restrictions were imposed on the scope of permissive usage and if one minor deviation from date, time, and location limitations of the permission would violate these restrictions.

Remember that adding another driver to your car insurance will likely cause your premium to go higher, since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. It is therefore essential to consider your options carefully prior to giving your vehicle over to other people. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and to discuss your policy terms.