Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ according to state, there are some commonalities across the country in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles as along with 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. driver's licenses or license plates. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must ensure that they have all the documents needed to avoid additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by a number of people each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

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

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however there are a number of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

If you intend to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to get prior motor Vehicle accident Law firms written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily race-related.

You'll require a CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports and have a real need for a vehicle. You will also have to comply with other requirements for compliance including fitting child restraints and motor vehicle accident law firms a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they are required to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. The presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agricultural business and also implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state's laws may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought a vehicle that was defective.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to carry out the transportation purpose of an agency or operation. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of an area with more than 1 million people.