Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are some commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own cars must ensure that they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional charges. This includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual Each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years old, conform to safety and ashtabula motor vehicle accident attorney bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that does not meet the standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are a few similarities across the country in the process of registering vehicles and obtaining the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and other equipment, which includes various front royal motor Vehicle accident law firm sport related regulations.

If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or temporarily raced.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and proof of your previous motorsport participation and a real need for the car. You must also meet other requirements to be compliant including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US unless that car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You must make sure to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to Customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the operation or farming business, as well as implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition may vary slightly among states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to schertz motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to fulfill an agency's or activity's transportation function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. 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 ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters and vehicles owned the commissioners court in a county with more than one million residents.