Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from state to state. In general, the laws assume that a vehicle was operated with the owner's consent.

The mortality rates are affected by laws that increase penalties or make revocation automatic or target social hosts. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices have small effects.

Legal Definitions

State laws regulate the legal terms used by motor vehicles. The various definitions used by the federal government in connection with national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mainly for administrative purposes, and do not apply to states that decide their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine whether a driver has to obtain a special license to operate certain types of vehicles.

The state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and many more. For example, the definition of light truck includes any motor vehicle that has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery trucks as well as pickup trucks. Also, it does not include any combination of vehicles that is intended to transport passengers or property completely within its own structure, such as trailers and manufactured homes.

Wheel chair is a type of vehicle with wheels that is used by people who physically disabled and are unable to walk. A moped is a vehicle with no more than three wheels on the ground, motor vehicle accident law firms and that can travel at maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a motorized vehicle that is propelled by a driver who is sitting on it. Someone who holds the legal title to a car is called the owner of the vehicle.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration procedure to insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the kinds of vehicles that are covered by the law. While certain laws are similar between states, others differ significantly. For instance, there are laws that restrict the number of people a person can transport in the pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving in certain types of roads, for instance, a parking lots.

If you violate the law, you could be punished and fined. Penalties can include having your license suspended or being required to take a traffic class.

One of the most important laws in a state regarding vehicles is the one that governs the speed limits that are set on roadways. In New York, for example it says that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is the same as for an automobile.

It also defines the term "motor vehicle" as any vehicle or other device that is propelled mechanically and used on roads to transport people or property or for other commercial uses. The law does not include trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobiles as well as motorized mobility assist devices that are operated by people with disabilities, and self-propelled corn and harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor insurance policy for vehicles is a contract between the insurer and insured which provides insurance against financial loss due to the risk of bodily injury or property damage to a third party, arising from ownership or operation, maintenance, or the use of a covered vehicle. It can also provide protection against physical damage to the insured vehicle itself. It must include the name and address the named insured as well as the protection provided by the policy. It also contains the amount of premium paid and the time for the period for which the policy is in effect, as well as the maximum amount of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or a statement that the insurance coverage is provided in conformity with the coverage set out therein as respects bodily injury, death or property damage and is subject to all of the rules of this chapter.

Duncanville law firms often recommend that individuals review a sample motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle policy to understand the terms. One of the biggest areas of confusion is the definition of "Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance for vehicles used in connection with commercial, business, occupations, or activities carried on for profit; automobile liability insurance, which includes MP and PIP; and underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to have this kind of insurance.

Permissible Use

If you are not the named insured or family member drives your car and gets into an accident, it is important to understand the way insurance coverage works in these circumstances. This concept is known as permissive use. The specific terms of your policy can vary however, generally speaking, all major car insurance companies provide this kind of coverage.

It is crucial to remember that you are liable for any damages caused by a driver with your permission. Permission may be granted in the form of a written statement or implied, and usually does not have to be recorded.

To determine if there is implied consent, courts consider the relationship between the parties, their prior conduct and use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding a specific driving incident. A court will also consider whether any restrictions were imposed on the permissive use. It will also consider if an unintentional deviation from the time, place and use limitations of the original permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Remember that adding another driver to your insurance will result in your premium going up, since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. Therefore, you must consider your options carefully prior to lending your vehicle to other people. Contact Jerry to get a free insurance quote and to discuss your policy's terms.