Originally posted by Grossac
There is a clear distinction between an automobile and a motor vehicle. An automobile has been defined as:
“The word ‘automobile’ connotes a pleasure vehicle designed for the transportation of persons on highways.” American Mutual Liability Ins.
Co., vs. Chaput, 60 A. 2d 118, 120; 95 NH 200.
While the distinction is made clear between the two as the courts have stated:
“A motor vehicle or automobile for hire is a motor vehicle, other than an automobile stage, used for the transportation of persons for which
remuneration is received.” International Motor Transit Co. vs. Seattle' 251 P. 120.
The term ‘motor vehicle’ is different and broader than the word ‘automobile’.” City of Dayton vs. DeBrosse, 23 N.E. 2d 647, 650; 62 Ohio
App. 232.
The distinction is made very clear in United State Code, Title 18, §31:
“Motor vehicle” means every description or other contrivance propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used for commercial purposes on the
highways in the transportation of passengers, or passengers and property.
“Used for commercial purposes” means the carriage of persons or property for any fare, fee, rate, charge or other considerations, or directly or
indirectly in connection with any business, or other undertaking intended for profit.
Title 56 - Motor Vehicles
CHAPTER 3.
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
ARTICLE 1.
SHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS
SECTION 56-3-10. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "South Carolina Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act."
SECTION 56-3-20. Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases are defined as follows:
(1) "Vehicle" means every device in, upon, or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices
moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
(2) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self- propelled, except mopeds, and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained
from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.
(3) "Motorcycle" means every motorcycle having no more than two permanent functional wheels in contact with the ground or trailer and having a
saddle for the use of the rider, but excluding a tractor.
(4) "Motor-driven cycle" means every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor which produces not to exceed five horsepower.
...definitions continue at
link.
ARTICLE 3.
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY
SECTION 56-3-110. Vehicles required to be registered and licensed.
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer and special mobile equipment vehicle driven, operated or moved upon a highway in this
State shall be registered and licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to drive,
operate or move upon a highway or for the owner knowingly to permit to be driven, operated or moved upon a highway any such vehicle which is
not registered and licensed and the required fee paid as provided for in this chapter.
Continues at
link.
Are you a cop by any chance, a lawyer perhaps?
In a "previous life," yes.