Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary by state, there are certain similarities across the country regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and motor vehicle accident law firms drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you will find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't pay additional duty. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several individuals each signature must be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix the label on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state, however, there are a lot of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are also controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and other equipment, which includes many motor sports related requirements.

If you are importing cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You will need an CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and have a real desire for a car. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements to be compliant, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on streets and highways. You must check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you'll be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed 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, whichever is shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. However, they have to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the basis. In addition spare parts shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agricultural business and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle accident law firms (Read This method) vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased a vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to carry out the transportation function of an agency or activity. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Furthermore the definition of the word is to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.