motor vehicle accidents Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by several 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 don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

In order for an imported car to be legally entitled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand specifically that motor vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper regulations, and that each automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are some similarities across the country when it comes to registering an automobile and getting an driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes a number of motor sport related regulations.

If you are importing an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily race-related.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license as well as prove your previous motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the car. You must also meet a number of other requirements for compliance, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make it unsafe or motor vehicle Accident Law Firms not suitable for use on highways and roads. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed 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 and the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person with a disability, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agriculture business and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The Motor Vehicle accident law Firms vehicle department of the state oversees dealers who sell second-hand and new cars as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought an unreliable new car or truck.

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