Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state. In general, laws assume that the vehicle was operated with the consent of the owner.

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

Legal Definitions

State laws govern the legal definitions of motor vehicles. The various definitions that are used for matters related to national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly for administrative purposes, and do not apply to states that are determining their own registration classifications. These vehicle classifications determine if a driver requires an additional license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

The laws of the state define terms like "automobile," "light trucks" and other terms. For example the definition of light truck encompasses any motor vehicle with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery trucks as well as pickup trucks. Also, it does not include any vehicle or combination of vehicles specifically designed to carry property or passengers wholly within its own structure, such as manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chairs are a vehicle equipped with wheels and is used by people who are physically disabled and cannot walk. A moped is a motor vehicle with no more than three wheels that come into contact with the ground that travels at speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a motorized vehicle that is driven by an operator who sits on it. The owner of a vehicle is the person who owns the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle laws, which regulate everything from the registration process to the insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by the law. While certain laws are fairly similar between states, others are quite different. For instance, there are laws that restrict the number of people a person can transport in a pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving in certain types of roads, like a parking lots.

If you violate the law, you could be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. Penalties can include having your license revoked or the requirement to attend traffic school.

The law that governs speed limits on roads is among the most important laws a state has. In New York, for example it stipulates that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is the same as that of an automobile.

It also defines the term "Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm (Intern.Ee.Aeust.Edu.Tw) vehicle" as any vehicle or other device that is propelled mechanically and used on a highway to transport property or people or for other commercial reasons. It excludes semitrailers and trailers and coaches, house trailers or coach trailers and vehicles that operate only on tracks or rails, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles as well as motorized mobility aids used by people with disabilities and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle insurance policy is a contract that covers the insurer against financial losses due to liability for bodily injury or death or property damage caused by a third party caused by the running, maintaining, ownership or use of an insured vehicle. It can also protect physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the name and address of the insured named as well as the coverage provided by the policy, the cost paid for it, the time of effectivity and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement stating that the insurance coverage is in line with the coverage specified as to bodily injury or death, as well as property damage.

The language used in the motor vehicle policy may be confusing for the average person. Duncanville law firms often recommend that individuals review the sample policy to understand the terms. One of the most common confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". The phrase is found in numerous statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of the coverages that are covered under a motor insurance policy include commercial auto coverage for automobiles used for business, commercial establishments or for employment, activities, or occupations that are carried out for profit, and automobile liability insurance, which covers PIP, MP, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to carry this type of insurance.

Permissible Use

It is crucial to understand the way insurance coverage works if someone other than the named insured or a family member is driving your vehicle and causes an accident. This is referred to as permissive usage and the specifics of your policy could differ, but in general most large car insurance companies provide this kind of insurance.

It is crucial to remember that you are liable for any damage caused by a driver who has your permission. Permission may be expressed or implied, and it is not required to be written down.

In determining whether there is implied permission, courts look at the relationship between the parties; their prior conduct and usage of the vehicle; and the circumstances surrounding the particular driving incident in question. A judge will also consider whether any restrictions were imposed regarding the permissive usage and whether even a minor deviation from the time, location and usage limitations of the original permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Be aware that adding a driver to your auto insurance policy is likely to raise your premiums, as the vehicle becomes more risky to insure. Therefore, it is important to weigh your options carefully before lending your vehicle out to other people. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and discuss the policy's terms.