What is a Covered Vehicle? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Q: Do all alternative fuel vehicles qualify as covered vehicles?

No, only those that meet the specific criteria outlined in regulations qualify as covered vehicles.

Q: What should I do if I own a covered vehicle?

Ensure your vehicle meets the criteria and consider consulting legal resources for compliance and registration.

Definition & meaning

A covered vehicle refers to specific types of motor vehicles that are designed to run on alternative fuels. This includes:

A dedicated or dual-fueled passenger car that can seat 12 passengers or fewer.
A dedicated or dual-fueled motor vehicle, excluding passenger cars, that meets the following criteria:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 8,500 pounds.
- Has a curb weight of less than 6,000 pounds.
- Has a basic frontal area of less than 45 square feet.
- Is primarily designed for transporting property or people, with a capacity of more than 12 persons.

Table of content

Legal use & context

The term "covered vehicle" is primarily used in regulations concerning alternative fuels and vehicles. It is relevant in areas such as environmental law and transportation regulations. Understanding this term is essential for compliance with federal regulations, especially for manufacturers and dealers of alternative-fueled vehicles. Users may find legal forms related to vehicle compliance and environmental regulations helpful in managing their obligations.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A minivan that runs on both gasoline and compressed natural gas and seats eight passengers qualifies as a covered vehicle.

Example 2: A delivery truck designed to transport goods, weighing 5,500 pounds and using alternative fuel, also meets the criteria for a covered vehicle. (hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

Key regulations regarding covered vehicles are found in Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically in Part 309, which outlines labeling requirements for alternative fuels and vehicles.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Key Differences
Alternative Fuel Vehicle	A vehicle that runs on fuels other than traditional gasoline or diesel.	Includes all vehicles using alternative fuels, not just those that meet the specific criteria of covered vehicles.
Hybrid Vehicle	A vehicle that uses two or more types of power, typically a gasoline engine and an electric motor.	Hybrid vehicles may not qualify as covered vehicles unless they meet specific fuel criteria.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you own or are considering purchasing a covered vehicle, ensure it meets the outlined specifications. You may want to consult with a legal professional or use US Legal Forms to find templates that assist with compliance and registration processes.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Typical Vehicle Weight	Less than 8,500 pounds
Curb Weight Limit	Less than 6,000 pounds
Passenger Capacity	12 passengers or fewer (for passenger cars)

Key takeaways

FAQs

What is the definition of a covered vehicle?

A covered vehicle is a passenger car or motor vehicle that meets specific criteria related to fuel type, weight, and capacity.