Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

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

The mortality rates are affected by laws that increase penalties and make revocation automatic or focus on 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 definitions used by the federal government for national city motor vehicle accident attorney fuel economy standards and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are mostly administrative and do not apply when states determine their own classifications for registration. The classifications of a vehicle's registration determine if a driver needs to obtain a special license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These state laws define terms like "automobile," "light trucks" and many more. As an example an example, a light truck is any motor vehicle that has a manufacturer-rated carrying capacity less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery trucks and pickup trucks. This includes any vehicle or combination 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 people who, due to physical disability cannot walk around as pedestrians. Mopeds are motor vehicle with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. It operates at a speed not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, also known as pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by the driver sitting on the top of it. The owner of an automobile is the person who is the legal owner.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration process to the insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the kinds of vehicles that are covered by law. While some of these laws are fairly similar across states, others vary significantly. There are laws that limit the number of people that can be carried in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like a parking lots.

If you break these laws, you could be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. The penalties range from being able to have your driver's license suspended to having to attend a traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state regarding vehicles is the speed limits that are put in place on the roads. In New York, for example it says that the speed limit for commercial vehicle is identical to that of an automobile.

The law also sets out the definition of the term "motor vehicle." This includes any description of carriage or other device that is powered by mechanical energy and used on a highway for the transport of people or property or for other commercial use. The law excludes trailers, coaches, semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles, motorized mobility assist devices used by disabled people as well as self-propelled corn and harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that covers the insurer against financial losses due to liability for bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third-party that results from the running, maintaining, ownership, or use of an insured vehicle. It may also protect physical damage to the vehicle. It must contain the name and address of the named insured as in addition to the coverage offered by the policy. It also contains the amount of the premium and the time frame for which the policy is in force, and the responsibility limits. It should also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance provided is in accordance with the coverage specified in respect of bodily injury or property damage, or death, and is subject to all the provisions of this chapter.

Duncanville law firms often suggest that clients review a sample bexley motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle policy to comprehend the terms. One of the biggest areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase appears often in statutes governing the registration of vehicles and financial accountability laws.

Some examples of coverage provided under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance for vehicles used for business, commercial establishments, work or occupations that are primarily for profit; auto liability insurance that covers MP and PIP as well as uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required by several states.

Permissive Use

It is essential to know what insurance coverage is available when someone other than the named insured or a family member is driving your vehicle and causes an accident. This concept is known as permissive usage and the specific terms of your policy could differ, but in general most major car insurance companies provide this kind of insurance.

It is important to keep in mind that you are accountable for any damages caused by a driver who has your permission. Permission may be implied or express and does not always have to be written.

In determining whether there is implied consent, courts will consider the relationship between the parties, their previous behavior and the use of the vehicle as well as the circumstances surrounding a specific driving event. A court will also look at whether there were any restrictions placed on the scope of permissive use and if even slight deviation from the date, time, and location restrictions of the original permission would violate the restrictions.

Be aware that adding an additional driver to your insurance policy could increase your premium, as the vehicle becomes more risky to insure. It is important to carefully evaluate your options prior to lending your car to someone else. Contact Jerry for a free insurance quote and discuss your policy's terms.