Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to the next. In general the law, it is assumed that the vehicle is operating with its owner's permission.

Laws that increase penalties and making revocation automatic, or the targeting of social hosts have mixed impact on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices have a limited impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws regulate the legal terms used by Motor Vehicle accident lawyers vehicles. The federal definitions for national standards for fuel economy and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are mostly administrative and do not apply when states establish their own registration classifications. These vehicle classifications determine if a motorist requires an exclusive license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and many others. As an example light truck, it is any motor vehicle that has a capacity that is less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery trucks and pickup trucks. Also, it excludes any vehicle or combination of vehicles that is specifically designed to transport property or passengers wholly within its own structure, such as manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair is a vehicle with wheels. It is usually used by those who, due to physical disability, are unable to walk around as pedestrians. A moped is an automobile with only three wheels on the ground and that can travel at the speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab vehicle is one that is driven 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 which cover everything from registration procedure to the insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles covered by law. While certain laws are fairly similar across 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 prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roadways, such as parking lots.

If you violate these laws, you may be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. Penalties can include being unable to drive or having your license suspended, or the requirement to take a traffic class.

One of the most important laws a state has regarding vehicles is 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 as well as automobiles.

It also defines the term "motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle" as any vehicle, carriage, or other device that is powered mechanically and is used on a highway to transport property or people, or for other commercial uses. It does not include trailers and semitrailers such as coaches or house trailers or vehicles that only run upon rails or tracks snowmobiles, all-terrain and snowmobiles, motorized mobility assist devices that are operated by a person who has disabilities, self-propelled hay harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial losses from liability for motor vehicle accident lawyers bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third party that results from the maintaining, operating or use of an insured vehicle. It may also cover physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the address and name of the insured named, the coverage afforded by the policy, the cost payable, the duration of the policy's effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It should also include an agreement or endorsement that states that the insurance provided is in accordance with coverage specific to bodily injury or death, or property damage.

The wording in the motor vehicle policy may be confusing to the average person, and Duncanville law firms often recommend that a person read the policy sample to fully understand the terms. One of the most common areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

A few examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial automobile insurance for vehicles used for commercial, business, occupations, or activities carried on for profit; automobile liability insurance which includes PIP and MP; and uninsured motorist and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required by several states.

Permissive Use

It is essential to understand the way insurance coverage works if someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This is known as permissive utilization. The specifics of your insurance policy could differ, but most large car insurers offer this type of coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that you are liable for any damages caused by a driver with your permission. Permission can be given in writing 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 two parties; their previous conduct and the use of the vehicle; as well as the circumstances surrounding the specific driving incident in question. A court will also look at if any restrictions were placed on the permissive use, and if even a minor deviation from the duration, location and restrictions of the original permission would violate the restrictions.

Be aware that adding a driver to your auto insurance policy could increase the cost of your insurance, since the vehicle becomes more risky to cover. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your options before lending your vehicle to anyone else. If you are unsure about whether to add someone to your policy or not, call Jerry to discuss the specifics of your insurance policy. You can also get a no-cost quote.