Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not pay additional duty. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each one affix the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a nonresident wants to import an automobile that does not comply with these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing Motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of vehicles and obtaining an official driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

If you plan to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. Additionally, you must comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads or highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or motor vehicle accident law firms the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based upon the piston displacement. In addition, spare parts sent with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the car-owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device capable of transporting people or property that is powered by a source other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farm business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly between states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle division of the state regulates dealers who sell second-hand and new cars, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they bought a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation purpose of an agency or the activity. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police or firefighters, and vehicles owned the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million residents.