Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

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

Laws that increase penalties, making revocation automatic or targeting social hosts have varying impacts on mortality rates. All of these measures, such as mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices, have only a slight effect.

Legal Definitions

The laws governing the legal definitions of motor vehicles are defined and determined at the state level. The definitions used by the federal government for national fuel economy standards and licensing standards for drivers of commercial vehicles are mostly administrative in nature and do not apply to states that decide their own classifications of registration. These vehicle registration classifications determine if a driver needs to be granted a specific license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These laws define terms like "automobile," "light trucks" and more. As an example light truck, it's any vehicle with a manufacturer-rated carrying capacity less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks and panel delivery trucks. It also excludes any vehicle or combination of vehicles designed primarily to carry passengers or property entirely within the structure of the vehicle, which includes manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chairs are vehicles with wheels, which is used by people who are physically disabled and unable to walk. A moped is a Motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground that travels at speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab vehicle is one that is propelled by an operator who sits on it. The owner of a vehicle is the person who is the legal owner.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle laws which cover everything from registration process to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by law. While some of these laws are similar between states, others differ significantly. For instance there are laws that limit the number of persons that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, including parking lot.

If you break these laws, you could be fined and punished. The penalties could vary from having your driver's licence suspended or being required to attend the traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state regarding vehicles is that which governs the speed limits established on the roads. In New York, for example, it states that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is similar to that of an automobile.

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

Insurance

A motor insurance policy for vehicles is a contract between the insurer and insured that provides insurance against financial loss on account of the liability for bodily injury, property damage to a third party that arises from the ownership or operation, maintenance, or the use of a covered automobile. It may also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the name and address of the named insured as along with the coverage provided by the policy. It also contains the amount of premium paid as well as the time period during the duration of the policy in effect, and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance is provided in conformity with the coverage described therein as respects bodily injury, property damage, and is subject to the requirements of this chapter.

The language used in a motor vehicle policy can be confusing to the average person, and Duncanville law firms typically recommend that individuals review a sample policy to fully be aware of the terms. One of the most frequent areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase appears often in statutes governing the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance for vehicles that are used in connection with commercial, business, occupations, or activities that are conducted for profit; auto liability insurance that covers MP and PIP as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to carry this type of insurance.

Permissible Use

It is important to know how insurance coverage works if someone other than the named insured or a family member is driving your car and causes an accident. This is known as permissive utilization. The specifics of your insurance policy may differ, but most large insurance companies offer this type of coverage.

It is important to remember that you are accountable for any damages caused by a driver with your permission. Permission can be implied or express, and does not usually require writing.

In determining if there is implied consent, courts take into consideration the relationship between the parties, their past behavior and the use of the vehicle as well as the circumstances surrounding a specific driving incident. A court will also look at whether any restrictions were placed on the scope of permissive usage and whether even minor deviations from the duration, location or restrictions of the initial permission would violate of these restrictions.

Remember that adding a driver to your car insurance will increase your insurance premium up, as it makes the car more risky to insure. It is important to weigh your options before lending out your vehicle to others. Contact Jerry to get a free insurance quote and to discuss your policy's terms.