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 enhancing penalties, making revocation automatic or targeting social hosts can have mixed impacts on mortality rates. Mandatory education, treatment for alcohol, and interlock devices all have a limited impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern motor vehicle legal terms. The various definitions that are used for matters pertaining to national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mainly for administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states determining their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine whether a driver has to be granted a specific license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and others. For example, the definition of a light truck comprises every st joseph motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle with the capacity of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes panel delivery trucks as well as pickup trucks. It also excludes any combination of vehicles intended to transport passengers or property entirely within its own structure, including manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chair is a type of vehicle with wheels that is used by those who have physical disabilities and cannot walk. Mopeds are verona motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle with fewer than three wheels that come into contact with the ground that operates at a speed not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, or pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by a driver sitting on the top of it. The owner of the vehicle is the person who owns the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration process to the insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the types of vehicles that are covered by the law. Some of these laws are identical across states, while others differ greatly. There are laws that limit the number of passengers that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance, a parking lots.

If you are in violation of these laws, you can be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. Penalties could include having your license suspended or having to take a traffic class.

One of the most important laws in a state pertaining to automobiles is that it governs the speed limits placed on roads. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as well as automobiles.

It also defines a "motor vehicle" as any type of vehicle or other device that is driven mechanically and used on roads to transport people or property, or for other commercial uses. It excludes trailers and semitrailers, coaches or house trailers, vehicles that run only upon rails or tracks snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicle as well as motorized mobility aids that are operated by a person who has a disability and self-propelled hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A baxley motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle insurance policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial losses caused by bodily injury or death or property damage caused by a third party caused by the running, maintaining, ownership or use of an insured vehicle. It can also provide protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle. It must state the name and address of the insured named as well as the coverage provided by the policy, the amount paid for it, the time of effectiveness and the limits of liability. It must also contain an endorsement or agreement stating that the insurance is in compliance with the coverage that is specifically outlined for bodily injury or death, or property damage.

Duncanville law firms typically recommend that people read the sample motor vehicle policy in order to know the terms. One of the most common areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used frequently in statutes governing the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages under the motor policy include commercial auto coverage for automobiles used for commercial or business establishments or other activities, employment or jobs done to earn money, automobile liability coverage, which includes PIP MP, MP, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required by several states.

Permissive Use

It is essential to understand how insurance coverage works in the event that a person other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This is known as permissive usage. The specific terms of your insurance policy could vary, but most large car insurers offer this type of coverage.

It is important to remember that you are accountable for any damage caused by a driver with your permission. Permission can be express or implied, and it generally does not have to be recorded.

To determine if there is implied consent, courts look at the relationship of the parties, their previous conduct and use of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a particular driving incident. A court will also consider whether any restrictions were placed on the scope of permissive use and if even minor deviations from time, location and usage limitations of an initial permission would violate of these restrictions.

Keep in mind that adding another driver to your insurance could increase your insurance premium up, as it makes the car more risky to insure. It is important to carefully weigh your options before giving your vehicle over to anyone else. If you aren't sure whether you should add someone to your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specifics of your insurance policy. Get a no-cost quote.