Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general, laws assume that the vehicle was operated with the consent of the owner.

Laws enhancing penalties that make revocation automatic or the targeting of social hosts have mixed effects on mortality rates. All of these measures, including obligatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices, have a little impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle legal terms. The definitions used by the federal government for national standards for fuel economy and licensing requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles are mostly administrative, and they do not have any effect when states establish their own classifications for registration. These vehicle registration classifications determine if a driver needs to be issued a special license to operate certain types of vehicles.

The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and others. For instance light truck, it's any motor vehicle that has a capacity that is less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery trucks and pickup trucks. Also, it does not include any vehicle or combination of vehicles that is specifically designed to carry passengers or property completely within its own structure, such as manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair is a vehicle with wheels, used primarily by people who are physically disabled and, are unable to move around as pedestrians. A moped is a vehicle with at most three wheels on the ground, and that travels at the speed of 35 miles per hour.

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

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle law that deal with everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. These laws also address the kinds of vehicles covered by the law. While some of these laws are similar between states, others are quite different. For instance, there are laws that restrict the number of people you can carry in the pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like a parking lots.

If you violate the law, you could be penalized and fined. The penalties vary from being able to have your driver's license suspended or being required to attend the traffic school.

One of the most important laws a state has regarding automobiles is that it governs the speed limits established on the roads. In New York, for example it says that the speed limit for commercial vehicle is the same as that of an automobile.

The law also defines the definition of the term "motor vehicle." This includes any description of a carriage or contrivance that is propelled by mechanical power and is used on a highway for the transport of people or property or for any other commercial use. It does not include semitrailers and trailers and coaches, house trailers or coach trailers and vehicles that operate only upon rails or tracks snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicle, motorized mobility assistance devices operated by a person with disabilities, theleagueonline.org self-propelled hay harvesting or corn harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor insurance policy for vehicles is an agreement between the insured and the insurer that protects against financial loss due to the liability for bodily injury, death, property damage to a third party arising out of the ownership operating, maintenance, or use of a covered car. It may also cover physical damage to the vehicle. It must contain the name and address the named insured as well as the protection provided by the policy. It also includes the premium charged and the time frame for which the policy is in effect, and the maximum amount of responsibility. It must also include an agreement or an endorsement that states that the insurance coverage is in compliance with the coverage provided for bodily injuries, death or property damage.

The wording in a motor vehicle insurance policy can be confusing to the average person, and Duncanville law firms usually recommend that individuals review a sample policy to fully comprehend the terms. One of the most frequent confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". This phrase is found in a number of statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial accountability laws.

Examples of the coverages that are covered under an insurance policy are commercial auto coverage for vehicles that are used for commercial and business establishments or other activities, employment or occupations performed for profit, automobile liability coverage, which comprises PIP MP, PIP, and uninsured and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required by many states.

Permissible Use

If someone other than the named insured or family member drives your vehicle and is involved in getting involved in an accident, it's important to understand the process of insurance coverage in these instances. This is known as permissive use. The specifics of your policy could differ however, in general, most large car insurance companies offer this type of coverage.

However, it is important to note that the person driving your car must have your permission for you to be held responsible for any damage. Permission may be expressed or implied, and generally does not have to be recorded.

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts consider the relationship between the parties; their past behavior and use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding the specific driving incident in question. A court will also look at whether any restrictions were placed on the permissive usage, and if even minor deviations from the duration, location or restrictions of the permission would be in violation of these limitations.

Remember that adding an additional driver to your auto insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance, since the vehicle becomes more difficult to cover. It is therefore essential to think about your options carefully before lending your vehicle to other people. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and discuss your policy's terms.