Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws that govern motor vehicles differ widely from one state to another. In general, the laws assume that a vehicle was operated by the owner's permission.

Laws enhancing penalties such as making revocation automatic and targeting social hosts have varying impact on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have little effect.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern motor vehicle legal terms. The different definitions of federal law used for matters pertaining to national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly administrative reasons, and do not apply to states determining their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine whether a driver must get a license specific to operate certain types of vehicles.

These state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and other. For example the definition of a light truck comprises every motor vehicle with an rated carrying capacity by the manufacturer of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. It also excludes any combination of vehicles that is intended to transport passengers or property completely within the structure of the vehicle, which includes trailers and manufactured homes.

A wheel chair is a machine with wheels, typically used by persons who because of physical impairment cannot walk as pedestrians. A moped is an automobile with no more than three wheels on the ground and that can travel at maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedal-driven vehicle, is one that is driven by the person sitting on top of it. The owner of the vehicle is the person who is the legal owner.

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle laws which encompass everything from registration process to insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the types of vehicles subject to the law. Some of these laws are the same across states, however other laws differ significantly. There are laws that limit the number of people that can be transported by pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving in certain types of roads, for instance, a parking lots.

Someone who operates a motor vehicle accident Law firm vehicle that is in violation of these rules could be punished with fines and penalties for doing so. The penalties range from being able to have your driver's license suspended or being required to attend traffic school.

The law that governs speed limits on roads is one of the most important laws a state has. In New York, for example it is stated that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is the same as that of an automobile.

The law also sets out the definition of the term "motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle." This includes any description of a carriage or other device that is powered by mechanical power and is used on a highway to transport people or property or for other commercial purpose. The law does not apply to trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all terrain and snowmobiles and motorized mobility assist devices operated by people with disabilities as well as self-propelled corn and harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is an agreement between the insurer and insured which provides insurance against financial loss on account of liability for bodily injury or death, property damage to a third party that arises from the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of a covered car. It may also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the address and name of the insured named, the coverage afforded by the policy, the cost payable, the duration of its effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It must also include an agreement or endorsement that states that the insurance offered is in compliance with the coverage provided for bodily injuries or death, as well as property damage.

Duncanville law firms typically recommend that people read the sample motor vehicle policy in order to understand the terms. One of the most frequently encountered areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase is used frequently in statutes governing vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under the motor policy include commercial auto coverage for vehicles used for business, commercial establishments or other activities, employment or jobs performed for profit, automobile liability coverage, which comprises PIP MP, PIP, and uninsured and underinsured coverage for drivers (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to carry this type of insurance.

Permitted Use

It is essential to understand the way insurance coverage works if someone other than the named insured or a family member is driving your vehicle and causes an accident. This is referred to as permissive use. The specific terms of your insurance policy might differ, but the majority of large insurance companies offer this type of coverage.

It is crucial to remember that you are responsible for any damages caused by a driver who has your permission. Permission may be expressed or implied and does not typically need to be in writing.

In determining whether there is implied consent, courts look at the relationship of the parties, their past conduct and usage of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a specific driving incident. A court will also consider whether there were any restrictions placed on the scope of permissive use and if even minor deviations from the time, location and use limitations of an initial permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Be aware that adding another driver to your insurance is likely to increase your insurance premium higher, since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. It is important to evaluate your options prior to lending out your vehicle to other people. Contact Jerry for a free insurance quote and to discuss the policy's terms.