Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer, you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as and related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several individuals Each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicles less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

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

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from one state to the next, but there are some similarities across the country in the process of registering an automobile and getting an 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 equipment, including several motor sport related regulations.

If you are importing 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 are imported for a long time or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You will need a CAMS licence and to prove that you have participated in motorsports, and have a valid desire for a car. Additionally, you must comply with a range of other requirements to be compliant, such as the use of child restraints points 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 of entry and does not possess any features that render it unsafe or incompatible for use on roads and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Motorists who visit 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 or less as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. However, they have to show EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, auto using their book value as the basis. Additionally spare parts included with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving property or persons and is driven by power other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or long grove motor vehicle accident law firm driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The bel aire motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government eureka motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired 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 includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. It also includes 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 of police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million people.