Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles vary widely between states. In general the law, it assumes that the vehicle is operated with its owner's permission.

Laws enhancing penalties and making revocation automatic, or targeting social hosts have mixed impact on mortality rates. All of these measures, including mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices, have a little effect.

Legal Definitions

State laws regulate the legal terms used by motor vehicles. The federal definitions for national standards for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily administrative in nature and do not apply to states that decide their own classifications of registration. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a driver requires an additional license to operate certain types of vehicles.

These state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and other terms. For example the definition of a light truck comprises any motor vehicle with an rated carrying capacity by the manufacturer of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes panel delivery trucks as well as pickup trucks. This is any vehicle or combination designed to transport people or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chairs are vehicles with wheels used by those who are physically disabled and cannot walk. A moped is an automobile with not more than three wheels on the ground, and that travels at an maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a type of vehicle that is propelled by an operator sitting on it. Someone who holds the legal title to a vehicle is known as the owner.

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle laws, Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys which regulate everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. These laws also cover the kinds of vehicles covered by the law. Some of these laws are similar across states, but others vary considerably. There are laws that restrict the number of people who can be transported by pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain types of roads, like a parking lots.

Any person who operates a motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys vehicle in contravention of these laws could be fined and punished for doing so. Penalties could include having your license revoked or Motor vehicle Accident attorneys the requirement to go to traffic school.

One of the most important laws a state has regarding automobiles is that it governs the speed limits that are set on roadways. In New York, for example it is stated that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is the same as for an automobile.

The law also sets out the definition of a "motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle." This includes every description of a carriage or device that is powered by mechanical power and utilized on a public road to transport people or property, or for other commercial use. It does not include semitrailers and trailers, coaches or house trailers and vehicles that operate only on tracks or rails snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicle, motorized mobility assistance devices operated by a person with disabilities, and self-propelled hay harvesting or corn harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle accident vehicle insurance policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial loss in the event of bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third party caused by the running, maintaining, ownership or use of an insured vehicle. It may also cover physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the name and address of the named insured as well as the protection provided by the policy. It also contains the premium charged, the period for the period that the policy is in force, and the maximum amount of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance is provided in accordance with the coverage specified 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 to the average person. Duncanville law firms usually suggest that individuals read the sample policy to understand the terms. One of the most frequently encountered areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used frequently 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, business, activities, employment or occupations that are primarily for profit; automobile liability insurance which includes MP and PIP; and underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to have this type of insurance.

Permissive Use

It is important to know what insurance coverage is available if someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This is called permissive usage. The specifics of your insurance policy may differ, but most large car insurers offer this type of coverage.

It is important to remember that you are responsible for any damages caused by a driver with your permission. Permission may be expressed or implied, and typically does not need to be written down.

To determine if there is implied consent, courts will consider the relationship between the parties, their prior behavior and the use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding a particular driving event. A court will also examine whether any restrictions were made on the permissive usage and whether even minor deviations from duration, location or restrictions of the permission would be in violation of these limitations.

Be aware that adding the driver to your auto insurance policy will likely increase the cost of your insurance, since the vehicle becomes more difficult to insure. Therefore, it is important to weigh your options carefully before lending your car 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 a free quote.