Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

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

Laws that increase penalties and making revocation automatic, or targeting social hosts have mixed impact on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have a limited impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws regulate the legal terms used by motor vehicles. The various definitions used by the federal government for matters pertaining to national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly for administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states that decide their own registration classifications. These vehicle registration classifications determine whether a motorist must be granted a specific license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

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

Wheel chairs are vehicles with wheels, which is used by those who are physically disabled and unable to walk. A moped is a motor 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 is a type of vehicle which is driven by an operator who sits on it. The owner of a vehicle is the person who holds the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the kinds of vehicles subject to the law. While some of these laws are similar across states, some are very different. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of persons a person can transport in a pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain types of roads, like a parking lot.

A person who operates a motor vehicle that is in contravention of these laws could be fined and punished for violating these laws. The penalties vary from being able to have your driver's license suspended or being required to attend an traffic school.

The law governing speed limits on roads is among the most important laws states have. In New York, for example it says that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is similar to that of an automobile.

It also defines a "motor vehicle" as any type of vehicle or other device that is driven mechanically and used on roads to move property or people or for commercial uses. It does not include semitrailers and trailers and coaches, house trailers or coach trailers as well as vehicles that operate on tracks or rails, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, motorized mobility assist devices operated by a person with disabilities, and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract which protects the insurer against financial loss in the event of bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third party that results from the running, maintaining, ownership, firm or use of an insured vehicle. It can also offer protection against physical damage to the vehicle itself. It must contain the name and address of the named insured as well as the protection provided by the policy. It also includes cost of the policy as well as the time period during the duration of the policy in effect, as well as the maximum amount of responsibility. It should also include an agreement or endorsement stating that the insurance is in line with the coverage that is specifically outlined for bodily injury and death, as well as property damage.

Duncanville law firms often suggest that clients read the sample motor vehicle policy to understand Firm the terms. One of the biggest areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase appears often in statutes governing vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under the motor vehicle accident law firm policy include commercial auto coverage for automobiles that are used for commercial, business establishments or for employment, activities, or occupations performed for profit, and automobile liability insurance, which covers PIP MP,, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required by several states.

Permissive Use

It is important to know how insurance coverage will work when 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 vary, but a majority of major car insurers offer this type coverage.

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

In determining whether there is implied permission, courts consider the relationship between the parties; their prior behavior and use of the vehicle; and the circumstances surrounding the specific driving event. The court will also consider if any restrictions were placed on the permissive use, and if even an unintentional deviation from the duration, location and limitations of the original permission would violate the restrictions.

Be aware that adding a driver to your car insurance is likely to result in your premium going up, as it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your options before giving your vehicle over to others. Contact Jerry to receive a no-cost insurance quote and to discuss your policy terms.