Section 3--118. Ambiguous Terms and Rules of Construction  


Latest version.
  • The following rules apply to every instrument:
        (a)  Where  there is doubt whether the instrument is a draft or a note
      the holder may treat it as either.  A  draft  drawn  on  the  drawer  is
      effective as a note.
        (b)  Handwritten  terms  control  typewritten  and  printed terms, and
      typewritten control printed.
        (c) Words control figures except  that  if  the  words  are  ambiguous
      figures control.
        (d) Unless otherwise specified a provision for interest means interest
      at  the  judgment  rate  at  the  place  of payment from the date of the
      instrument, or if it is undated from the date of issue.
        (e) Unless the instrument otherwise specifies two or more persons  who
      sign  as maker, acceptor or drawer or indorser and as a part of the same
      transaction are jointly and severally liable even though the  instrument
      contains such words as "I promise to pay."
        (f)  Unless  otherwise  specified  consent  to  extension authorizes a
      single extension for not longer than the original period. A  consent  to
      extension,  expressed in the instrument, is binding on secondary parties
      and accommodation makers. A holder may not exercise his option to extend
      an instrument over the objection of a maker or acceptor or  other  party
      who  in  accordance  with  Section  3--604 tenders full payment when the
      instrument is due.