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 owner's consent.

The mortality rates are affected by laws that increase penalties, make revocation automatic, or specifically target social hosts. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices all have a limited impact.

Legal Definitions

The laws governing the legal definitions of motor vehicles are defined and determined at the state level. The various definitions that are used for matters related to national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily for administrative purposes and are not applicable to states that determine their own registration classifications. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a motorist requires an additional license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and others. For example, the definition of light truck includes any motor Vehicle accident Law firm vehicle with an rated carrying capacity by the manufacturer of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes pickup trucks and panel delivery trucks. It also excludes any combination of vehicles that is designed primarily to carry passengers or property within its own structure, like trailers and manufactured homes.

A wheel chair conveyance is a device equipped with wheels. It is usually used by people who are physically disabled and, are unable to move about as pedestrians. Mopeds are motor vehicle accidents vehicle with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. It operates at a speed not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, also known as a pedal-driven vehicle, is one that is driven by a driver who sits on the top of it. The person who has the legal title to a vehicle is called the owner.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that cover everything from registration process to the insurance requirements. They also regulate the types of vehicles covered by law. While certain laws are similar between states, others vary significantly. There are laws that restrict how many people can be carried in a pedicab. There are also laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, like parking spaces.

Any person who operates a motor vehicle that is in violation of these laws can be fined and punished for doing so. The penalties could vary from getting your driver's license revoked to having to attend traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state pertaining to vehicles is the speed limits placed on roads. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as well as automobiles.

The law also sets out the definition of a "motor vehicle." This includes every description of a vehicle or contrivance that is propelled by mechanical power and used on a highway for the transport of people or property, or for any other commercial use. It excludes semitrailers and trailers and coaches, house trailers or coach trailers or vehicles that only run upon rails or tracks snowmobiles, all-terrain and snowmobiles, motorized mobility assist devices used by people with disabilities, and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that covers the insurer against financial loss from liability for bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third party caused by the operating, ownership, maintenance or the use of an insured vehicle. It can also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must contain the address and name of the insured named and the amount of coverage offered by the policy, the cost paid for it, the time of effectivity and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance provided is 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 of the motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle policy may be confusing to anyone, and Duncanville law firms often recommend that individuals review the sample policy to comprehend the terms. One of the most frequent confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". The phrase is found in a variety of statutes that regulate vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Some examples of coverage provided under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance that covers vehicles used in connection with commercial establishments, business activities, employment or occupations which are carried out for profit automobile liability insurance that includes PIP and MP; and underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required by several states.

Permissive Use

If someone other than the named insured or a family member is driving your car and gets into an accident, it is crucial to know the insurance coverage that is available in these instances. This is called permissive usage. The specific terms of your insurance policy may vary, but a majority of major automobile insurers provide this kind 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 it typically does not need to be recorded.

In determining whether there is implied permission, courts will look at the relationship between the parties; their past conduct and usage of the vehicle; and circumstances surrounding the specific driving event that is in question. A judge will also consider whether any restrictions were made on the scope of permissive usage and if even minor deviations from duration, location or restrictions of the initial permission would violate of these restrictions.

Be aware that adding an additional driver to your auto insurance policy is likely to increase your premium, because the vehicle becomes more difficult to cover. It is therefore important to weigh your options carefully before lending your vehicle to other people. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and discuss your policy's terms.