Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary according to state, there are certain commonalities across the nation in the areas of titling registration, Motor vehicle accident attorneys fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles and 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' licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill of lading, 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 jointly by a number of people Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be attached to it. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each one affix an identification label to each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wishes to import vehicles that do not comply with these standards and is not registered, 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 Racing Vehicles to Race

Motor vehicle Accident attorneys vehicle laws vary from state to state but there are many commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

If you are planning to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily raced.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and proof of your past motorsport participation and a real need for the car. Additionally, you must satisfy other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or inadvisable to use on roads and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or the shorter period as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 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 their base. In addition spare parts included with the imported vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving people or property that is powered by something other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming operation tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly in different states, and any vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other motor motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to carry out the transportation function of an agency, or business. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle that belong to the commissioners' court of a county having more than 1 million.