Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle accidents vehicle accident attorneys (mouse click the next document) vehicle laws differ from state to state, there are certain similarities across the country in terms of titling, registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified 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 want to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is shared by a number of people each signature must be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should also accompany it. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it satisfies these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import an automobile that does not meet these standards then they must submit 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 Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however, there are some similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and motor vehicle Accident attorneys enforces national standards for motor vehicle Accident attorneys cars and other equipment, which includes a number of motor sport related requirements.

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 a requirement for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You will need a CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed 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 give you permission to import a race car into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on roads or highways. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle clears customs.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate ranging from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are shipped with the vehicle imported. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property that is driven by power other than muscular force that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming operation, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Every state's law may differ from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees new and second-hand dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million.