Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there's certain similarities across the country in regards to titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars 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 want to import their own cars must make sure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional fees. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several people each signature must be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be included with it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

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

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. 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 vehicles and equipment, as well as many motor sports related regulations.

If you plan to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need an CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. You will also have to meet other requirements to be compliant including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it was race-ready during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or motor Vehicle accident law firms highways. You must select 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

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive 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 have to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee ranging from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are included in the imported vehicle. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting property or people and that is propelled by power other than muscular force that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farm business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ in different states, and any vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other related businesses to motor vehicle accident law firms (sneak a peek at these guys) vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase, motor vehicle accident law firms excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used in the performance of an agency's or activity's transport purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million residents.