Motor vehicle
Motor vehicle: A term each statute defines for its own purposes, generally covering self-propelled vehicles used on roads, including automobiles, trucks, buses and motorcycles. For example, California defines a motor vehicle as a vehicle that is self-propelled (Cal. Veh. Code § 415(a)), and Texas defines it as a self-propelled vehicle or one powered by overhead trolley wires (Tex. Transp. Code § 541.201(11)). A narrower federal definition in 18 U.S.C. § 31, which refers to vehicles "used for commercial purposes," applies only to the federal criminal provisions in that chapter. It does not control state traffic, registration or licensing laws. We have not found a court decision holding that driver licensing laws do not reach a car used only for personal, non-commercial travel; courts that have addressed the argument, such as State v. Hershberger, 27 Kan. App. 2d 485, 5 P.3d 1004 (2000), ruled the other way.
What motor vehicle means
Put simply, motor vehicle is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.
Where motor vehicle comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if motor vehicle appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read motor vehicle in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Mortgage: a security instrument that gives a lender an interest in real property to secure repayment of a debt.
- Mortgage-backed securities: investments backed by a pool of mortgage loans, whose holders are paid from the borrowers' payments.
- Motion: a request asking the court for an order. In federal court, motions must generally be in writing, state the grounds with particularity and state the relief sought.
- Motion in limine: a motion asking the court to decide before trial whether particular evidence may be used.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.