motor vehicle accident lawsuit Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles differ by state, there's some commonalities across the country in regards to titling, registration, fees, taxes, and firm drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as along with 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' permits. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the documents needed to avoid additional fees. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and firm any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand particularly that vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will 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 that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are some similarities across the country when it comes to registering vehicles and obtaining a driving license. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related standards.

The first step to import racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily used for racing purposes.

To be eligible for this program, you'll require a CAMS license and proof of your past motorsport participation and a genuine need for the vehicle. You also need to meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is race-ready at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You will need to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Vehicles for touring

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 and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based on piston displacement. Additionally spare parts shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving people or property and which is powered by a source other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming enterprise tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. 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 new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to perform the transportation function of an agency, or the activity. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. In addition, the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.