What is a Covered Vehicle? A Comprehensive Legal Overview
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.
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.
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.