Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles vary widely from one state to another. In general, the laws assume that the vehicle was operated with the owner's consent.

Laws enhancing penalties such as making revocation automatic and the targeting of social hosts have mixed impacts on mortality rates. Mandatory education, treatment for alcohol, Vimeo and interlock devices have a limited impact.

Legal Definitions

The laws governing motor vehicle legal terms are formulated and decided at the state level. The definitions used by the federal government for national standards for fuel economy and licensing requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles are mostly administrative and do not apply when states determine their own classifications for registration. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a motorist requires an additional license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and other terms. As an example light truck, it's any motor vehicle that has an rated capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. Also, it excludes any combination of vehicles that is designed primarily to carry property or passengers wholly within its own structure, like manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chair is a conveyance with wheels, which is used by those who have physical disabilities and cannot walk. A moped is an automobile with at most three wheels on the ground and that travels at the speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab vehicle is one that is propelled by an operator who sits on it. A person who holds the legal title to a vehicle is referred to as the owner of the vehicle.

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that deal with everything from the registration process to the insurance requirements. These laws also address the types of vehicles subject to the law. Some of these laws are similar across states, but others differ greatly. For instance, there are laws that restrict the number of people a person can transport in a pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like a parking lots.

If you break these laws, you could be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. The penalties could range from getting your driver's license revoked or being required to attend an traffic school.

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

It also defines a "motor vehicle" as any carriage or other device that is driven mechanically and is used on roads to move people or property, or for other commercial reasons. The law does not apply to trailers, semitrailers and coaches, all-terrain and snowmobiles and motorized mobility assist devices that are operated by people with disabilities as well as self-propelled corn and vimeo harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract which protects the insurer from financial loss due to liability for injuries to the body or death or property damage caused by a third party due to the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of an insured vehicle. It may also protect physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the name and address the named insured as well as the coverage provided by the policy. It also includes the amount of premium paid and the time frame for the period that the policy is in effect, and the limits of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or a statement that the insurance coverage is provided in conformity with the coverage set out in respect of bodily injury or death or property damage and is subject to all provisions of this chapter.

The language in the forest hill motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle policy could be confusing for the average person, and Duncanville law firms will often recommend that a person read the sample policy to understand the terms. One of the most frequent confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". This phrase appears in a number of statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under an insurance policy are commercial auto coverage for automobiles used for business, commercial establishments or activities, employment, or occupations conducted for profit, automobile liability insurance, which includes PIP MP, PIP, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required by a number of states.

Permissible Use

It is crucial to understand what insurance coverage is available in the event that a person other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This is referred to as permissive use. The specific terms of your insurance policy could vary, but most large automobile insurers provide this kind of coverage.

However, it is crucial to remember that the person driving your car must have your permission to be held responsible for any damages. Permission may be expressed or implied but does not necessarily require a written document.

In determining if there is implied consent, courts look at the relationship of the parties, their past behavior and the use of the vehicle as well as the circumstances surrounding a particular driving event. A court will also consider if any restrictions were placed on the permissive use and if even a minor deviation from the date, time, and location limitations of the permission would violate these limitations.

Remember that adding an additional driver to your insurance policy is likely to increase your premium, because the vehicle becomes more risky to cover. It is important to weigh your options before lending your car to others. If you aren't sure whether to include someone on your policy or not, call Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy and receive a no-cost quote.