Typically wording will either be defined in the law, or decided by case law. Legislatures will usually include very long sections on definitions to try and reduce the amount of judicial leeway.
For instance, in Texas motor vehicle code regarding driving under the influence, there is a definition for "Motor Vehicle." While colloquially a person would assume that such a vehicle should have a motor, the definition actually states:
> "Motor vehicle" means a device in, on, or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.
When it comes to laws, you have to read the entire law (including definitions) and not just rely on your own understanding of the terms within. Then it gets even more complicated when it comes to so called "Case Law." This is why companies have entire sections of lawyers to inform their managers on compliance.
That's a great example. I've seen in other states that the definition of "motor vehicle" encompasses bicycles. It probably is the simplest way to ensure that all traffic laws automatically apply to bicycles, and then some special cases for bicycles can be defined separately.
For instance, in Texas motor vehicle code regarding driving under the influence, there is a definition for "Motor Vehicle." While colloquially a person would assume that such a vehicle should have a motor, the definition actually states:
> "Motor vehicle" means a device in, on, or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.
When it comes to laws, you have to read the entire law (including definitions) and not just rely on your own understanding of the terms within. Then it gets even more complicated when it comes to so called "Case Law." This is why companies have entire sections of lawyers to inform their managers on compliance.