Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state. In general, the laws assume that the vehicle was used by the owner's permission.

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

Legal Definitions

The laws that govern the legal definitions of motor vehicles are formulated and determined at the state level. The various federal definitions used in connection with national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly administrative reasons, and are not applicable to states that determine their own registration classifications. These classifications of vehicles determine whether a driver requires an additional license to operate certain types vehicles.

These 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 vehicles and pickup trucks. Also, it does not include any combination of vehicles intended to transport passengers or property entirely within its own structure, like trailers and manufactured homes.

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 that has no more than three wheels in contact with the ground. It operates at a speed not more than 35 miles per hour.

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

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration procedure to the insurance requirements. These statutes also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by law. While certain laws are fairly similar across states, others vary significantly. For instance there are laws that restrict the number of passengers one can carry in the pedicab. There are also laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, like parking spaces.

Someone who operates a motor vehicle that is in violation of these laws can face penalties and fines for violating these laws. The penalties can range from having your driver's licence suspended to being required to attend traffic school.

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

The law also defines the definition of the term "motor vehicle." This covers every description of a carriage or other device that is driven by mechanical force and employed on a public highway to transport people or property, or for any other commercial use. The law does not include trailers, semitrailers and coaches, all-terrain and snowmobiles as well as motorized mobility assist devices used by disabled people, and self-propelled corn and harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle insurance policy is an agreement between the insurer and insured which provides insurance against financial loss due to liability for bodily injury or Motor property damage to a third party, arising from ownership and operation, maintenance or the use of a covered automobile. It can also offer protection against physical damage to the insured vehicle itself. It must contain the name and address of the insured named and the amount of coverage offered by the policy, as well as the premium paid for it, the time of effectiveness and the limits of liability. It must also include an endorsement or agreement stating that the insurance coverage is in accordance with the coverage provided for bodily injuries, death or property damage.

The wording in the motor vehicle policy may be confusing for anyone, and Duncanville law firms will often recommend that a person read a sample policy to fully be aware of the terms. One of the most frequently encountered confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle". The phrase is found in a variety of statutes that regulate the registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws.

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

Permissible Use

It is essential to know what insurance coverage is available when someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This is known as permissive utilization. The specifics of your insurance policy might differ, but the majority of large car insurers offer this type of coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that you are responsible for any damage caused by a driver with your permission. Permission can be express or implied, and typically does not need to be written down.

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts examine the relationship between the parties; their past conduct and the use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding the specific driving incident in question. A court will also look at if any restrictions were placed on the permissive use, and if even an unintentional deviation from the date, time, and location limitations of the initial permission would violate these limitations.

Be aware that adding an additional driver to your insurance policy will raise your premiums, as the vehicle becomes more difficult to insure. It is important to think about your options before lending your car to other people. If you're unsure whether to add someone to your policy or not, get in touch with Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy. Get an estimate for free.