Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general, laws assume that the vehicle was operated with the owner's consent.

Laws that enhance 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 a slight effect.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern legal terms for motor vehicles. The federal definitions for national standards for fuel economy and Vimeo licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are mostly administrative, and they do not have any effect when states establish their own classifications of registration. These vehicle registration classifications determine whether a motorist must get a license specific to operate certain types of vehicles.

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

A wheel chair conveyance is a vehicle with wheels, typically used by persons who because of physical impairment cannot walk around as pedestrians. A moped is an automobile with only three wheels on the ground and that travels at maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, or pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by the person sitting on top of it. A person who owns the legal title to a vehicle is known as its owner.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration procedure to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles covered by law. While some of these laws are similar between states, others vary significantly. There are laws that restrict the number of people who can be transported by pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance, a parking lots.

Someone who operates a poughkeepsie motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle in violation of these laws could be fined and punished for violating these laws. The penalties vary from having your driver's license suspended to being required to attend the traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a particular state regarding vehicles is the speed limits placed on roads. In New York, for example it is stated that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is the same as for an automobile.

The law also defines the definition of a "motor vehicle." This covers every description of carriage or other device that is powered by mechanical force and employed on a public highway for the transportation of persons or property, or for other commercial use. The law excludes trailers, semitrailers and coaches, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles and motorized mobility assist devices that are operated by people with disabilities and self-propelled corn, as well as hay harvesting machines.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that covers the insurer from financial loss from liability for Vimeo bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third-party that results from the running, maintaining, ownership or use of an insured vehicle. It can also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must mention the address and name of the named insured as well as the coverage provided by the policy, the amount charged therefor, the period of effectiveness and the limits of liability. It should also include an agreement or endorsement that the insurance coverage is provided in conformity with the coverage described in respect of injuries to the body or death or property damage and is subject to all of the rules of this chapter.

Duncanville law firms typically recommend that individuals review the sample motor vehicle policy to understand the terms. One of the most frequently encountered confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". This phrase is used in a number of statutes that govern the registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws.

Some examples of coverage provided under a motor vehicle policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles used in connection with business, commercial establishments, occupations, or activities that are conducted for profit; automobile liability insurance that includes MP and PIP, and underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to have this kind of insurance.

Permissive Use

If anyone other than an insured or a family member drives your car and gets into an accident, it is important to understand the insurance coverage that is available in these instances. 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 accountable for any damage caused by a driver with your permission. Permission can be express or implied and does not always require a written document.

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

Be aware that adding a driver to your car insurance will likely cause your insurance premium to go higher, since it makes the car more risky to insure. Therefore, you must think about your options carefully before giving your vehicle over to others. If you are unsure about whether to add someone to your policy or not, get in touch with Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy. You can also get an estimate for free.