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Motor Vehicle Legal Terms The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state. In general, laws assume that a vehicle was operated with the owner's consent. Laws enhancing penalties such as making revocation automatic and the targeting of social hosts have mixed effects on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have little effect. Legal Definitions The laws governing the legal definitions of motor vehicles are formulated and decided at the state level. The various federal definitions used in connection with national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mainly for administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states that decide their own registration classifications. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a driver needs special licenses to operate certain types vehicles. These laws define terms like “automobile,” “light trucks” and others. For instance light truck, it's any motor vehicle that has a capacity of carrying less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery trucks and pickup trucks. It also excludes any vehicle or combination of vehicles specifically designed to carry passengers or property within its own structure, including trailers and manufactured homes. Wheel chairs are vehicles with wheels, which is used by people who are physically disabled and cannot walk. Mopeds are motor vehicle that has no more than three wheels that are in contact with the ground. It operates at a speed not more than 35 miles per hour. A pedicab is a vehicle which is driven by an operator sitting on it. Someone who holds the legal title to a car is called the owner. Traffic Laws Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle laws which deal with everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. These statutes also cover the types of vehicles covered by law. Some of these laws are the same across states, however others are different. There are laws that restrict the number of people who can be carried in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, for instance parking lots. Someone who operates a motor vehicle in violation 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 being required to take a traffic class. 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 it is for automobiles. The law also sets out the definition of a “motor vehicle.” This includes every description of carriage or other device that is powered by mechanical power and is employed on a public highway for the transport of people or property, or for other commercial purpose. It does not include trailers and semitrailers as well as house trailers or coaches, vehicles that run only upon rails or tracks snowmobiles, all-terrain and snowmobiles as well as motorized mobility aids operated by a person with disabilities, and self-propelled hay harvesting or corn harvesting machines and tractor. Insurance A motor insurance policy for vehicles is a contract between the insured and the insurer that covers financial loss due to liability for bodily injuries or property damage to a third party arising from ownership or operation, maintenance, or the use of a covered vehicle. It may also provide protection against physical damage to the vehicle itself. It must include the name and address of the named insured as well as the coverage provided by the policy. It also includes cost of the policy, the period for which the policy is in force, and the responsibility limits. It should also include an agreement or a statement that the insurance coverage is provided in accordance with the coverage specified therein as respects injuries to the body, death or property damage and is subject to all rules of this chapter. motor vehicle accident attorney clarksville of the motor vehicle policy could be confusing for the average person. Duncanville law firms usually recommend that individuals review the sample policy to be aware of the terms. One of the biggest confusions is the definition of “motor vehicle”. This phrase is found in a number of statutes that govern the registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws. Examples of coverages under the motor policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles used for commercial or business establishments or for employment, activities, or jobs done for profit, and automobile liability insurance, which covers PIP, MP, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to have this type of insurance. Permissive Use It is essential to know how insurance coverage works when someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your car and causes an accident. This concept is known as permissive use. The specifics of your policy might differ, but in general most large car insurance companies provide this kind of coverage. It is important to remember that you are accountable for any damages caused by a driver with your permission. Permission may be granted in the form of a written statement or implied, and usually does not have to be recorded. In determining if there was implied consent, courts examine the relationship between the parties, their previous conduct and usage of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a specific driving incident. A court will also look at whether any restrictions were placed regarding the permissive use and if any minor deviations from the time, place and usage restrictions of the permission would be in violation of these restrictions. Keep in mind that adding another driver to your insurance will likely cause your premium to go higher, since it makes the car more risky to insure. Therefore, you must think about your options carefully before lending your vehicle to other people. If you're not sure whether to add someone to your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy. Get a free quote.