Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary widely from state to state. In general, the law assumes that the vehicle is operating with the permission of the owner.

The mortality rates are influenced by laws that increase penalties, make revocation automatic, or target social hosts. All of these measures, such as mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices, have a slight effect.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern motor vehicle legal terms. The various definitions used by the federal government for matters related to national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly for administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states determining their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine if a driver needs an additional license to operate certain types vehicles.

These state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and others. For instance an example, a light truck is any motor vehicle that has a capacity of carrying less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery trucks as well as pickup trucks. It also excludes any combination of vehicles specifically designed to carry passengers or property within the structure of the vehicle, which includes manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair conveyance is a device with wheels. It is typically used by people who because of physical impairment cannot move about as pedestrians. A moped is a vehicle with at most three wheels on the ground and that travels at an maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a motorized vehicle that is propelled by an operator sitting on it. The owner of a vehicle is the person who is the legal owner.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that cover everything from registration procedure to insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the types of vehicles covered by law. While some of these laws are fairly similar across states, others vary significantly. For instance, there are laws that restrict the number of passengers that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws against reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance, Vimeo a parking lots.

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

The law that regulates speed limits on roads is among the most important laws that a state has. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as well as automobiles.

The law also sets out the definition of a "motor vehicle." This includes every description of a carriage or other contrivance that is propelled by mechanical force and used on a public highway for the transport of people or property or for any other commercial use. It excludes semitrailers and trailers and coaches, house trailers or coach trailers and vehicles that operate only upon rails or tracks, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles as well as motorized mobility aids used by people with disabilities, self-propelled hay harvesting or corn harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract between the insurer and insured that covers financial losses arising from the risk of bodily injury or death, property damage to a third-party arising out of ownership or operation, maintenance, or use of a covered vehicle. It can also cover physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the name and address of the named insured as along with the coverage provided by the policy. It also includes the amount of the premium, the period for which the policy is in effect, and the limits of liability. It must also include an agreement or endorsement that insurance is provided thereunder in conformity with the coverage set out therein as respects bodily injury or property damage or death and is subject to all the requirements of this chapter.

The wording in the motor vehicle policy may be confusing for the average person. Duncanville law firms often recommend that an individual review the sample policy to be aware of the terms. One of the most frequently encountered areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle." The phrase is used frequently in statutes governing vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under a motor insurance policy include commercial auto coverage for vehicles that are used for commercial and business establishments or activities, employment, or occupations that are performed to earn money, automobile liability insurance, which covers PIP MP, PIP, and uninsured or Vimeo underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to carry this type of insurance.

Permissive Use

If someone other than a named insured or a family member drives your car and gets involved in an accident, it is crucial to know how insurance coverage works in these situations. This is called permissive usage. The specific terms of your insurance policy might differ, but most large car insurers offer this type coverage.

However, it is important to remember that the person driving your vehicle must have your permission in order to be held liable for damages. Permission can be either implied or explicit and does not always have to be written.

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts will look at the relationship between the parties; their prior conduct and usage of the vehicle; as well as the circumstances surrounding the particular driving incident in question. A court also will consider the extent to which restrictions were imposed on the scope of permissive use and if even one minor deviation from time, place, and usage restrictions of the original permission would violate the restrictions.

Be aware that adding a driver to your insurance is likely to cause your premium to go higher, since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. It is important to carefully weigh your options before lending your vehicle to anyone else. If you're not sure whether to add someone to your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specifics of your insurance policy and receive an estimate for free.