Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

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

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

Legal Definitions

The laws governing the legal definitions of motor vehicles are defined and determined at the state level. The different definitions of federal law used in connection with national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily for administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states that are determining their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine if a driver requires a special licence to operate certain types vehicles.

The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and other. For example, the definition of light truck includes any motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle with the capacity of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes panel delivery vehicles and pickup trucks. It also excludes any vehicle or combination of vehicles that is intended to transport passengers or property completely within its own structure, like trailers and manufactured homes.

Wheel chairs are vehicles with wheels that is used by people who have physical disabilities and cannot walk. A moped is a vehicle with not more than three wheels on the ground and that travels at a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

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

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws which cover everything from registration process to insurance requirements. These statutes also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by law. While some of these laws are similar across states, others differ significantly. There are laws that limit how many people can be carried in a pedicab. There are also laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, including parking lots.

If you do not follow these laws, you may be penalized and fined. The penalties vary from having your driver's license suspended and being required to attend an traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state pertaining to vehicles is that which governs the speed limits that are put in place on the roads. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles and automobiles.

The law also defines the definition of a "motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle." This includes any description of a vehicle or device that is driven by mechanical power and is used on a public highway for the transport of people or property, or for other commercial use. It does not include trailers and semitrailers as well as house trailers or coaches or vehicles that only run on tracks or rails snowmobiles, all-terrain and snowmobiles and motorized mobility aids used by people with a disability and self-propelled hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract between the insured and the insurer that covers financial loss due to liability for bodily injuries or death, property damage to a third party, arising out of the ownership operating, maintenance, or use of a covered vehicle. It can also offer protection against physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the name and address of the insured named and the amount of coverage offered by the policy, the cost payable, the duration of the policy's effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or an endorsement that states that the insurance provided is in accordance with the coverage that is specifically outlined for bodily injury, death or property damage.

The language in the motor vehicle policy may be confusing to the average person. Duncanville law firms typically recommend that an individual review a sample policy to fully know the terms. One of the biggest confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". This phrase is found in many statutes that govern the registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under an insurance policy are commercial auto coverage for vehicles that are used for commercial and business establishments or for employment, activities, or occupations that are performed for profit, automobile liability coverage, which comprises PIP MP, MP, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to carry this type of insurance.

Permissive Use

If someone other than the named insured or family member drives your vehicle and gets involved in an accident, it's crucial to know the process of insurance coverage in these scenarios. This concept is referred to as permissive use and the specific terms of your policy might differ, but in general most major car insurance companies provide this kind of insurance.

However, it is important to keep in mind that anyone driving your vehicle must have your permission to be held responsible for any damage. Permission may be expressed or implied, and is not required to be written down.

In determining whether there is implied consent, courts take into consideration the relationship between the parties, their past behavior and the use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding a specific driving event. A judge will also consider whether there were any restrictions placed on the scope of permissive usage and whether even a minor deviation from the time, place and usage limitations of the original permission would violate of these limitations.

Remember that adding another driver to your car insurance is likely to cause your premium to go up, since it makes the car more risky to insure. Therefore, you must consider your options carefully prior to lending your vehicle to other people. Contact Jerry for a free insurance quote and to discuss the policy's terms.