Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles differ widely from one state to the next. In general the law assumes the vehicle is operating with its owner's permission.

Laws that increase penalties such as making revocation automatic and targeting social hosts can have mixed impacts on mortality rates. All of these measures, which include mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices, have only a little impact.

Legal Definitions

The laws governing motor vehicle legal terms are defined and determined at the state level. The different definitions of federal law used for matters pertaining to national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily for administrative purposes, and do not apply to states determining their own registration classifications. These vehicle registration classifications determine whether a driver has to be granted a specific license to operate certain types of vehicles.

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

A wheel chair conveyance is a machine with wheels, used primarily by those who, due to physical disability, are unable to walk around as pedestrians. Mopeds are motor vehicle with not more than three wheels that are in contact with the ground that is able to travel at a speed of not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a motorized vehicle that is driven by an operator sitting on it. A person who owns the legal title to a vehicle is referred to as its owner.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration procedure to insurance requirements. They also regulate the types of vehicles that are covered by the law. Some of these laws are akin across states, however other laws differ significantly. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of persons you can carry in a pedicab. There are also laws that ban reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance parking lots.

If you break these laws, you could be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. The penalties can vary from having your driver's licence suspended and being required to attend an traffic school.

The law governing speed limits on roads is one of the most important laws states have. In New York, for example it says that the speed limit for commercial vehicle is identical to that of an automobile.

It also defines a "motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle" as any carriage or other device that is propelled mechanically and is used on a highway to transport property or people or for other commercial purposes. The law excludes trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles motorized mobility assist systems that are operated by people with disabilities and self-propelled corn, as well as hay harvesting machines.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is an agreement between the insured and the insurer that provides insurance against financial loss resulting from the liability for bodily injury, property damage to a third party, arising out of the ownership or operation, maintenance, or the use of a covered vehicle. It can also offer protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle itself. It must contain the address and name of the insured named, the coverage afforded by the policy, as well as the premium charged therefor, the period 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 specific to bodily injury, death or property damage.

Duncanville law firms often recommend that clients review a sample motor vehicle policy to know the terms. One of the most frequent confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle". The phrase is found in many statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages under a motor policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles used for commercial or business establishments or activities, employment, or occupations performed to earn money, automobile liability insurance, which includes PIP, MP, and uninsured and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required by many states.

Permissive Use

If someone other than a named insured or family member drives your vehicle and gets involved in an accident, it's crucial to know the insurance coverage that is available in these instances. This is called permissive usage. The specifics of your insurance policy might vary, but a majority of major car insurers offer this type coverage.

However, it is crucial to note that a person driving your vehicle must have your permission for you to be held liable for any damages. Permission may be expressed or implied, and it usually does not have to be written down.

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

Be aware that adding another driver to your insurance will increase your insurance premium up since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. It is important to carefully think about your options before lending your vehicle to others. If you aren't sure whether to include someone on your policy or not, get in touch with Jerry to discuss the specifics of your insurance policy and receive a no-cost quote.