motor vehicle

vehicle powered by a motor

A motor vehicle is a machine which incorporates a (sometimes known as an engine), and which is used for transportation. The internal combustion engine is the most common motor choice, although electric motors or other types are sometimes used. Land vehicles are usually equipped with wheels, and usually operate on roads.
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Noun
1. a self-propelled wheeled vehicle that does not run on rails
(synonym) automotive vehicle
(hypernym) self-propelled vehicle
(hyponym) amphibian, amphibious vehicle
(part-meronym) airbrake
(class) undercoated, undersealed

Any mechanically or electrically powered device not operated on rails, upon which or by which any person or property may be transported upon a land highway. The load on a motor vehicle or trailer attached to it is considered part of the vehicle. (NSC1)

A vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer, or any combination thereof, propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used upon the highways in the transportation of passengers or property. It does not include a vehicle, locomotive, or car operated exclusively on a rail or rails, or a trolley bus operated by electric power derived from a fixed overhead wire, furnishing local passenger transportation similar to street-railway service. (49CFR171) (49CFR383) (49CFR390) 

See also Automobile, Bus, Car, Minivan, Semitrailer, Taxi, Tractor (or Truck Tractor), Tractor-Semitrailer, Truck, Van, Vehicle.

Includes an automobile, automobile truck, automobile wagon, motorcycle, or any other self-propelled vehicle designed for running on land but not on rails. 18 USC