motor vehicle
A term, commonly used in vehicle registration and financial responsibility
statutes, that is generally defined to mean a device capable of
transporting people or property and is self-propelled by mechanical
or electrical power. However, state "motor vehicle" definitions
usually contain a list of exceptions of the kinds of vehicles that
do not qualify—for example, vehicles that are not designed for use
on public roads, vehicles propelled solely by human power, bicycles,
motorized wheelchairs or other electric personal assistive mobility
devices, farm tractors, implements of husbandry, motorized bicycles,
mopeds, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motor scooters, and vehicles
running only upon rails or tracks. Each state's "motor vehicle"
definition must be examined closely to see what types of vehicles
qualify and what types do not. Any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies
under a state statutory definition of a "motor vehicle" may be subject
to that state's licensing, registration, and/or financial responsibility
laws.
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