Statutory Text
§ 1703. Application of chapter.
This chapter does not apply with respect to any motor vehicle owned by the United States.
Definition of Key Terms:
- “Chapter” – In the context of this law, a chapter pertains to a distinct and defined segment of the MVFRL legislation that centers on a particular aspect of the law. Section 1703 is part of one such chapter in the MVFRL.
- “Motor vehicle” – According to the definition under Pennsylvania law, a motor vehicle includes cars, motorcycles, trucks, vans, and other vehicles that are designed for operation on public roads.
- “Owned by the United States” – This refers to vehicles that are legally registered under the federal government. It could be vehicles used by federal agencies, military, or other departments of the national government.
Why Section 1703 Matters for Pennsylvania Drivers?
This clause has limited implications for majority of Pennsylvania drivers as it applies specifically to vehicles owned by the U.S. government. However, an understanding of this rule is beneficial for drivers who operate federal vehicles in Pennsylvania. It signals that such vehicles might be subject to different, perhaps federal, regulations instead of the state level MVFRL.
Why Section 1703 Matters for Pennsylvania Attorneys?
This section has significant relevance for attorneys specializing in motor vehicle or personal injury law. It illuminates the fact that legal cases involving federal vehicles might not be subject to the same statutes as those involving privately owned vehicles. Lawyers would need to be aware of the differing laws, ensuring that their legal strategies and remedies align with federal regulations rather than operating under the assumptions of MVFRL.
Advanced Analysis:
The notable feature of this section's language is its brevity and precision. There is no ambiguity in its wording, clearly stating that federally owned vehicles are exempt from the regulations in this chapter of the MVFRL.
Nonetheless, the statute does not specify why the exemption is in place. Delving deeper and referencing the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution may shed some light on this. Since federal law typically preempts state law, the federal government might have its regulations regarding financial responsibility for its vehicles, superseding state legislation.
The section's language, despite its brevity, stands as a crucial boundary limit to the MVFRL, Appendix A. It exhibits how the law's jurisdiction does not extend to federally owned vehicles.
