Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

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

Laws that increase penalties, making revocation automatic or targeting social hosts have mixed effects on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices all have little effect.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern legal terms for motor vehicles. The federal definitions for national standards for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily administrative in nature and do not apply when states establish their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine whether a driver requires a special licence to operate certain types vehicles.

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

Wheel chairs are a vehicle with wheels utilized by people who are physically disabled and unable to walk. A moped is a carmi Motor Vehicle accident Lawsuit vehicle with fewer than three wheels that are in contact with the ground. It can travel at speeds not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, or pedal-driven vehicle, is one that 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 motor vehicle laws that cover everything from registration process to the insurance requirements. These laws also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by the law. While certain laws are similar between states, others differ significantly. For instance there are laws that limit the number of people you can carry in a pedicab. There are laws against reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance, a parking lots.

Anyone who drives a motor vehicle that is in violation of these laws could face penalties and fines for violating these laws. The penalties could range from having your driver's license suspended and being required to attend the traffic school.

The law governing speed limits on roads is one of the most important laws that a state has. In New York, for example it stipulates that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is identical to that of an automobile.

The law also defines the definition of the term "motor vehicle." This includes any description of a carriage or other device that is powered by mechanical energy and employed on a public highway for the transport of people or property, or for any other commercial purpose. It excludes trailers and semitrailers as well as house trailers or coaches as well as vehicles that operate on tracks or rails, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles and motorized mobility aids used by people with disabilities, and self-propelled hay harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract which protects the insurer from financial loss due to liability for bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third-party due to the running, maintaining, ownership or the use of an insured vehicle. It can also provide protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle. It must contain the address and name of the named insured the policy, the coverage provided by the policy, the cost that is charged, the period of the policy's effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It should also include an agreement or endorsement that states that the insurance provided is in accordance with the coverage specified as to bodily injury, death or property damage.

Duncanville law firms frequently suggest that people read the sample oregon motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle policy to be aware of the terms. One of the most frequent areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial accountability laws.

Examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance for vehicles used in connection with commercial establishments, business jobs, or other activities which are carried out for profit automobile liability insurance that includes PIP and MP; and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required by a number of states.

Permissive Use

It is important to know how insurance coverage will work in the event that a person other than the named insured or a family member is driving your vehicle and causes an accident. This is referred to as permissive use. The specific terms of your insurance policy might vary, but most large insurance companies offer this type of coverage.

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

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts look at the relationship between the two parties; their previous conduct and the use of the vehicle; as well as the circumstances surrounding the particular driving event in question. A court will also consider whether there were any restrictions placed on the scope of permissive use and if any minor deviations from the duration, location or restrictions of the initial permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Be aware that adding an additional driver to your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance, since the vehicle becomes more difficult to insure. It is important to consider your options prior to giving your vehicle over to anyone else. If you are unsure about whether to add someone to your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy. You can also get a no-cost quote.