Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

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

Laws that enhance penalties and making revocation automatic, or targeting social hosts have varying effects on mortality rates. All of these measures, such as obligatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices, have only a small impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern the legal definitions of motor vehicles. The various definitions that are used for matters related to national requirements for fuel economy and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers serve mainly for administrative reasons, and do not apply to states that determine their own registration classifications. These vehicle classifications determine if a driver needs special licenses to operate certain types of vehicles.

These state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and others. For instance the definition of light truck is all motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. Also, it does not include any vehicle or combination of vehicles designed primarily to carry passengers or property within its own structure, including trailers and manufactured homes.

A wheel chair is a device with wheels. It is typically used by people who are physically disabled and, are unable to move around as pedestrians. A moped is an automobile with not more than three wheels on the ground and that travels at maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a type of vehicle which is driven by an operator sitting on it. The owner of an automobile is the person who holds the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own motor vehicle laws that cover everything from registration procedure to the insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by the law. Some of these laws are the same across states, while others are different. For instance there are laws that limit the number of persons a person can transport in the pedicab. There are also laws that ban reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, including parking lots.

Any person who operates a motor vehicle that is in violation of these laws could be punished with fines and penalties for doing so. Penalties can include getting your license suspended or being required to attend traffic school.

The law that regulates speed limits on roads is among the most important laws a state has. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as well as automobiles.

It also defines a "motor vehicle" as any vehicle or other device that is powered mechanically and is used on roads to move people or property, or for other commercial purposes. It does not include semitrailers and trailers such as coaches or house trailers, vehicles that run only upon rails or tracks, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, motorized mobility assist devices that are operated by a person who has disabilities, self-propelled hay harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that covers the insurer from financial loss in the event of bodily injury or death or property damage caused by a third party arising from maintaining, operating or the use of an insured vehicle. It also provides protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle. It must state the address and name of the named insured, the coverage afforded by the policy, the cost charged therefor, the period of effectivity and the limits of liability. It should also include an endorsement or agreement stating that the insurance offered is in line with the coverage provided for bodily injuries, death or property damage.

The language in the motor vehicle policy could be confusing to the average person. Duncanville law firms often recommend that individuals review the sample policy to understand the terms. One of the most frequently encountered confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". This phrase appears in a number of statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Some examples of coverage provided under a motor vehicle accident vehicle policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles used for commercial, business, activities, employment or occupations that are primarily for profit; automobile liability insurance which includes MP and PIP; and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to have this type of insurance.

Permitted Use

If you are not the named insured or family member drives your vehicle and gets into an accident, it's crucial to know the insurance coverage that is available in these circumstances. This concept is referred to as permissive use. The specifics of your policy may differ however, generally speaking, all major car insurance companies provide this type of coverage.

However, it is crucial to note that a person driving your car must have your permission in order for you to be held responsible for any damage. Permission may be expressed or implied, and typically does not need to be written down.

To determine if there is implied consent, courts examine the relationship between the parties, their prior behavior and the usage of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a particular driving event. The court will also consider if any restrictions were placed on the scope of permissive usage and if an unintentional deviation from the date, time, and location limitations of the initial permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Remember that adding another driver to your insurance will likely cause your premium to go up, since it makes the car more risky to insure. It is important to evaluate your options prior to giving your vehicle over to others. Contact Jerry to get a free insurance quote and discuss the terms of your policy.