Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general, the laws assume that the vehicle was operated with the consent of the owner.

Laws that increase penalties such as making revocation automatic and the targeting of social hosts have mixed impacts on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices all have little 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 requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily for administrative purposes, and do not apply to states that determine their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine if a driver requires special licenses to operate certain types vehicles.

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

Wheel chairs are vehicles equipped with wheels and is used by people who are physically disabled and unable to walk. 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 pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by a driver sitting on top of it. A person who owns the legal title to a vehicle is referred to as its owner.

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of passaic motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle law that encompass everything from registration process to insurance requirements. These laws also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by the law. Some of these laws are identical across states, while other laws differ significantly. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of people you can carry in the pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain types of roads, like a parking lots.

A person who operates a motor vehicle in contravention of these laws could be penalized and liable for fines for doing so. Penalties can include being unable to drive or having your license suspended, or the requirement to go to traffic school.

One of the most important laws a state has regarding vehicles is the speed limits that are placed on roads. 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 any description of a vehicle or contrivance that is propelled by mechanical energy and used on a highway for the transport of people or property or for any other commercial use. The law does not apply to trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles, motorized mobility assist devices operated by people with disabilities and self-propelled corn as well as harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract which protects the insurer against financial loss from liability for bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third party caused by the operating, ownership, maintenance, or use of an insured vehicle. It can also provide protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle. It must contain the name and address of the named insured and the amount of coverage offered by the policy, the amount payable, the duration of effectivity and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance is provided in conformity with the coverage described in respect of bodily injury or property damage, or death, and is subject to all the provisions of this chapter.

The wording in a motor vehicle insurance policy can be confusing for the average person. Duncanville law firms often recommend that a person read the sample policy to be aware of the terms. One of the most frequent areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase is used frequently in statutes governing the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

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

Permissible Use

If anyone other than an insured or family member drives your vehicle and gets into an accident, it's crucial to know the way insurance coverage works in these scenarios. This is known as permissive use and the specifics of your policy may differ however, in general, most large car insurance companies provide this kind of coverage.

However, it is crucial to note that the person driving your car must have your permission for you to be held responsible for damages. Permission can be expressed or Vimeo implied and does not typically need to be in writing.

In determining whether there is implied permission, courts look at the relationship between the parties; their prior behavior and use of the vehicle; and circumstances surrounding the specific driving event. A court will also examine whether any restrictions were placed on the permissive usage and if even minor deviations from duration, location or restrictions of the permission would violate of these restrictions.

Be aware that adding an additional driver to your insurance policy could increase the cost of your insurance, since the vehicle becomes more risky to cover. It is crucial to evaluate your options prior to lending out your vehicle to other people. Contact Jerry for a free insurance quote and discuss your policy's terms.