Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find state and federal laws on pickerington motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars must make sure they have the documents needed to avoid additional fees. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several individuals each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should also accompany it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To allow an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wants to import vehicles that do not comply with these standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to another, however there are similarities across the country when it comes to registering the vehicle and getting an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as many smithfield motor vehicle accident law firm sports related requirements.

If you plan to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.

To be eligible to be eligible, you'll require a CAMS license and prove your previous participation in motorsports and a real need for the car. You must also satisfy other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or 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 ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or less as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as a base. Additionally spare parts that are shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farm business, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees dealers who sell second-hand and new cars manufacturers, moving companies, and vimeo other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they purchased a vehicle or Vimeo 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, and used to carry out the transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Additionally the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million inhabitants.