Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general, the laws assume that the vehicle was used by the owner's permission.

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

Legal Definitions

The laws that govern motor vehicle legal terms are formulated and determined at the state level. The federal definitions of national standards for fuel economy and licensing standards for drivers of commercial vehicles are primarily administrative, and they do not have any effect when states establish their own classifications of registration. These vehicle registration classifications determine whether a driver must be granted a specific license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and other terms. For instance the definition of light truck is any motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. Also, it excludes any combination of vehicles that is specifically designed to carry passengers or property entirely within its own structure, such as trailers and manufactured homes.

A wheel chair conveyance is a vehicle with wheels, used primarily by those who have physical disabilities that make them, are unable to walk around as pedestrians. A moped is a vehicle with no more than three wheels on the ground and that can travel at maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, or pedal-driven vehicle, is one that is driven by the person who sits on the top of 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 process to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles covered by the law. Some of these laws are the same across states, however others differ greatly. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of people a person can transport in the pedicab. There are also laws that ban reckless driving on certain kinds of roadways, such as parking lots.

If you do not follow the law, you could be punished and fined. The penalties could range from having your driver's licence suspended to being required to attend traffic school.

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

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

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is an agreement between the insured and the insurer which provides insurance against financial loss on account of liability for bodily injuries or property damage to a third party, arising out of the ownership operating, maintenance, or use of a covered car. It can also offer protection against physical damage to the insured vehicle. It must include the name and address the named insured as well as the protection provided by the policy. It also includes the amount of the premium and the time frame for the period that the policy is in force, as well as the limits of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance provided is in accordance with the coverage specified therein as respects injuries to the body, property damage, and is subject to all the provisions of this chapter.

The language in the motor vehicle policy could be confusing for anyone, and Duncanville law firms typically suggest that individuals read the policy sample to fully know the terms. One of the most frequent areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase appears often in statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

Some examples of coverage provided under a motor vehicle policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles used in connection with commercial establishments, business jobs, or other activities carried on for profit; automobile liability insurance which includes PIP and MP; and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required by many states.

Permissive Use

It is crucial to understand the way insurance coverage works when someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your car and causes an accident. This is referred to as permissive usage and the specifics of your policy might differ however, generally speaking, all large car insurance companies offer this type of insurance.

However, it is important to note that the person driving your car must have your permission to be held responsible for any damages. Permission can be given in writing or implied, and is not required 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 usage of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding the particular driving incident in question. A court will also look at whether any restrictions were made regarding the permissive usage, and if any minor deviations from the time, place and usage limitations of an initial permission would violate of these limitations.

Keep in mind that adding another driver to your car insurance will result in your premium going higher, since it makes the car more risky to insure. It is essential to consider your options prior to lending out your vehicle to someone else. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and discuss the terms of your policy.