Motor 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 including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws governing motor vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of the countries that have adopted 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 authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the documents needed to avoid additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must also 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 accompanied by it. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that jerseyville Motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles that are not more 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 indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

Additionally, springfield motor vehicle accident lawyer EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes many motor sports related regulations.

The first step to import racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be permanently imported or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require an CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. Additionally, you must comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration when it is entered and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable 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 when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring 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 cars in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports, whichever is shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. 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 Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who has an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or operation and implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, fhoy.kr and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Every state's law may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The chicago ridge motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle division of the state governs new and second-hand dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Furthermore, 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 used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.