Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer, you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicle accident lawyers (Going In this article) vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature has to be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand particularly that vehicles not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper standards, and that each automobile be branded by the manufacturer to meet these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import vehicles that do 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 receive prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to the next, but there are some commonalities across the country when it comes to registering a vehicle and obtaining the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including several motor sport related regulations.

The first step in importing racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. You also need to meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

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

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or less as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the base. Additionally spare parts that are shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming operation or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor motor vehicle accident Lawyers vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating new and second-hand motor vehicle accident lawyers dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to perform the transportation function of an agency or operation. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.