Motor Vehicle Legal Terms Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general the law, it assumes that a vehicle is being operated with the permission of the owner. Laws that enhance penalties that make revocation automatic or targeting social hosts have varying impact on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have minimal effects. Legal Definitions State laws govern legal terms for motor vehicles. The definitions used by the federal government for national fuel economy standards and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily administrative and are not applicable when states establish their own classifications of registration. The classifications of a vehicle's registration determine whether a motorist must be issued a special license to operate certain types of vehicles. The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and other. For instance the definition of a light truck comprises any motor vehicle with the capacity of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. This is any vehicle or combination specifically designed to transport passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers. A wheel chair conveyance is a device with wheels, used primarily by people who have physical disabilities that make them cannot move about as pedestrians. A moped is a vehicle with no more than three wheels on the ground, and that travels at the speed of 35 miles per hour. A pedicab, also known as pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by the operator sitting on 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 procedure to insurance requirements. These statutes also cover the types of vehicles covered by law. Some of these laws are similar across states, but other laws differ significantly. There are laws that restrict the number of people who can be transported by pedicab. There are also laws that ban reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like parking lots. If you violate these laws, you can be fined and punished. Penalties can include getting your license suspended or the requirement to attend traffic school. One of the most important laws in a state regarding vehicles is that which governs the speed limits placed on roads. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as it is for automobiles. It also defines the term "motor vehicle" as any type of vehicle or other device that is driven mechanically and is used on a highway to transport property or people or for commercial purposes. It does not include semitrailers and trailers such as coaches or house trailers, vehicles that run only upon rails or tracks snowmobiles, all-terrain and snowmobiles, motorized mobility assist devices used by people with a disability and self-propelled hay harvesting machines and tractor. Insurance A motor vehicle policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial losses due to liability for injuries to the body or death or property damage caused by a third-party arising from ownership, operation, maintenance or use of an insured vehicle. It also provides protection against physical damage to the insured vehicle itself. It must include the name and address the named insured as well as the coverage provided by the policy. It also contains the premium charged as well as the time period during the period that the policy is in effect, and the maximum amount of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or a statement that the insurance coverage is provided in accordance with the coverage specified therein as respects bodily injury or property damage, or death, and is subject to all the provisions of this chapter. The language used in the motor vehicle policy may be confusing to anyone, and Duncanville law firms often recommend that an individual review an example policy to know the terms. One of the most frequently encountered areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase appears frequently in statutes governing registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws. A few examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance that covers vehicles used for commercial establishments, business jobs, or other activities that are primarily for profit; automobile liability insurance that includes MP and PIP as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required by many states. Permissible Use If someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and is involved in getting involved in an accident, it's crucial to know how insurance coverage works in these circumstances. This is referred to as permissive use. The specifics of your insurance policy may differ, but the majority of large car insurers offer this type coverage. However, it is crucial to note that a person driving your vehicle must have your permission for you to be held liable for damages. Permission can be given in writing or implied, and it is not required to be written down. In determining if there is an implied permission, courts look at the relationship between the two parties; their previous behavior and use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding the particular driving event in question. A court will also examine whether any restrictions were imposed on the scope of permissive use and if even minor deviations from the time, location and use restrictions of the permission would violate of these restrictions. Remember that adding another driver to your car insurance will likely cause your premium to go up, since it makes the car more risky to insure. It is important to consider your options prior to lending out your vehicle to anyone else. Contact Jerry to receive a no-cost insurance quote and discuss your policy's terms.