Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles vary from state to state, there are some commonalities across the country in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles should have them documented to ensure that they do not pay additional duty. This includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle must 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 license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

In order for an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are universalities across the country when it comes to registering vehicles and obtaining an official 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 standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

The first step to import race cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that will be permanently imported or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

You will need a CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. You will also need to comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on roads or highways. You must make sure to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and which is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who has handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agricultural business and also implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "Lakewood Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuit vehicle" may differ in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible 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 manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to perform the transportation purpose of an agency or the activity. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, en.easypanme.com police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.