Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States regarding titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicle accidents vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person Each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or motor vehicle accident Attorney ID card. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

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. DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper requirements, and that each automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as meeting these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wants to import an automobile that does not comply with these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicle Accident Attorney - ivimall.com - vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of a vehicle and obtaining an 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 national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes a number of motor vehicle accident attorneys sport related requirements.

If you are planning to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire for a car. You must also comply with a range of other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior motor Vehicle accident attorney to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by 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 as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the basis. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. The owner of the car must 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 people or property, and that is powered by something other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in operation or farming business, as well as implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Every state's law may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to fulfill the transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million residents.