Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general, the laws assume that the vehicle was used by the owner's permission.

The mortality rates are influenced by laws that increase penalties and make revocation automatic or specifically target social hosts. All of these measures, including mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices, have a little effect.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern motor vehicle legal terms. The definitions used by the federal government for national fuel economy standards and licensing requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles are primarily administrative and do not apply when states establish their own classifications of registration. These vehicle registration classifications determine if a driver needs to be granted a specific license to operate certain types of vehicles.

The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and other. For instance, a light truck is any motor vehicle that has an rated capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks and panel delivery trucks. This is any vehicle or combination designed to transport people or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair is a device equipped with wheels. It is usually used by people who because of physical impairment are unable to walk around as pedestrians. A moped is a motor vehicle with fewer than three wheels in contact with the ground. It operates at a speed not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, or pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by a driver sitting on top of it. The owner of a vehicle is the one who owns the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration procedure to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by the law. Some of these laws are similar across states, but other laws differ significantly. For instance there are laws that restrict the number of passengers you can carry in a pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving in certain types of roads, like a parking lot.

If you break the law, you could be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. Penalties could include having your license revoked or having to go to 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 says that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is similar to that of an automobile.

The law also defines the definition of a "motor vehicle." This covers every description of a carriage or firms other contrivance that is propelled by mechanical power and used on a highway for the transport of people or property, or for other commercial purpose. It does not include trailers and semitrailers such as coaches or house trailers and vehicles that operate only on tracks or rails, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles as well as motorized mobility aids that are operated by a person who has disabilities and self-propelled hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that covers the insurer against financial loss due to liability for bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third-party due to the maintaining, operating, or use of an insured vehicle. It also provides protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle. It must contain the name and address of the named insured as well as the coverage provided by the policy. It also includes the premium charged and the time for which the policy is in effect, and the limits of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that insurance is provided thereunder in accordance with the coverage stated therein as respects injuries to the body, property damage, and is subject to the rules of this chapter.

Duncanville law firms typically recommend that people read a sample motor vehicle policy in order to understand the terms. One of the biggest areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle." The phrase appears often in statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

A few examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance for vehicles that are used in connection with commercial, business, jobs, or other activities that are conducted for profit; automobile liability insurance, which includes PIP and MP; and uninsured motorist and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to carry this type of insurance.

Permissible Use

It is crucial to understand what insurance coverage is available if someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This concept is known as permissive usage and the specific terms of your policy may differ however, in general, most large car insurance companies provide this kind of coverage.

It is important to remember that you are responsible for any damage caused by a driver with your permission. Permission can be either implied or explicit and does not typically require a written document.

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts examine the relationship between the parties, their previous conduct and usage of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding the specific driving event. A court will also examine whether any restrictions were made on the permissive use and if even a minor deviation from the time, place and usage restrictions of the initial permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Keep in mind that adding a driver to your insurance is likely to result in your premium going higher, since it makes the car more risky to insure. Therefore, you must be aware of your options before giving your vehicle over to anyone else. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and discuss your policy terms.