Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in regards to titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own cars must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by multiple people each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they do not have these, 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. DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile be branded by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to another, but there are some commonalities across the country when it comes to registering vehicles and obtaining the required driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and firms other equipment, which includes 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 are imported for a long time or temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible for this, you'll require a CAMS license and prove your past motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. You must also satisfy other requirements to be compliant, such as fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US in the event that the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on roads and firms highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring 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 period of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they must to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate ranging from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

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

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to fulfill an agency's or activity's transport function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Additionally the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million.