Section 32-7A-2 Definitions.
Section 32-7A-2
Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE. A document issued by an insurer or its authorized representative showing that a specific vehicle is insured for liability.
(2) DEALER. Any person dealing in, buying, selling, exchanging, advertising, or negotiating the sale of motor vehicles and licensed under the provisions of Section 40-12-391.
(3) DECLARATIONS PAGE. That part of an insurance policy showing all of the pertinent information, name of insured, insuring company, the vehicle make, the year model, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the policy number, the amount of coverage or coverages, and the effective and expiration dates of the policy.
(4) DEPARTMENT. The Department of Revenue.
(5) DEPOSIT OF CASH. Funds deposited with and held by the State Treasurer as security for payment by the depositor, or by any person responsible for the depositor's motor vehicle with his or her express or implied consent, of all judgments rendered against the depositor or other authorized operator of the depositor's motor vehicle arising from injury, death, or damage sustained through use, operation, maintenance, or control of the motor vehicle within the State of Alabama.
(6) DIRECTOR. The Director of Public Safety of the State of Alabama.
(7) DISPLAY. The temporary manual surrender of the evidence of insurance into the hands of the law enforcement officer making the request for the officer's inspection thereof as provided in Section 32-7A-6.
(8) INSURANCE BINDER. A document issued by an insurer or its authorized representative showing that a specific vehicle is insured for liability.
(9) LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY. An owner's or an operator's policy of liability insurance, issued by an insurance carrier duly authorized to transact business in this state, to or for the benefit of the person or vehicle identified in the policy as insured.
(10) MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle that is designed and manufactured to be operated on the streets and highways of Alabama, but not operated upon rails.
(11) MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY BOND. A bond of a surety company duly authorized to transact business in this state, which is conditioned for payments in amounts and under the same circumstances as would be required in a motor vehicle liability insurance policy.
(12) OPERATOR. Every person who is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle.
(13) OWNER. Any of the following persons:
a. A person or persons holding the legal title to a motor vehicle, unless paragraph b. or c. is applicable.
b. The mortgagor, debtor, conditional vendee, or lessee of a vehicle that is the subject of a chattel mortgage, lien, agreement for the conditional sale thereof, lease or other like agreement with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with the immediate right of possession vested in the mortgagor, debtor, conditional vendee, or lessee, in which event the mortgagor, debtor, conditional vendee, or lessee shall be deemed the owner for purposes of this chapter.
c. The lessee of a vehicle owned by the United States of America or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
(14) PERSON. Every natural person, firm, partnership, association, estate, trust, corporation, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or other entity.
(15) REGISTRATION. Certificate or certificates and license plates issued under the laws of this state pertaining to the registration of motor vehicles.
(16) SIGNATURE. A unique mark, process, or verification in a manner prescribed by the department, as provided in Section 40-1-1.
(17) STATE. Any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, any province or territory of the Dominion of Canada, or a state of the Republic of Mexico.
(18) SUSPENSION. The temporary withdrawal by formal action of the department of a vehicle's registration for a period specified by this chapter.
The terms "liability insurance policy," "deposit of cash," and a "motor vehicle liability bond" are used interchangeably throughout this chapter.
(Act 2000-554, p. 1005, §1.)