motor vehicle accident lawyer Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are some similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by multiple people each signature must be notarized. A black-and motor vehicle accident law firm white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet these requirements, they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, but there are many commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

The first step in importing race cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only required for cars that will be imported permanently or temporarily raced.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US unless the car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they have to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100%, based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is driven by power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agriculture business, as well as implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ slightly from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Furthermore the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.