Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there's certain commonalities across the nation in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes and Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys drivers' licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as along with related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars must ensure they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by a number of 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 don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand, in particular, that vehicles not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper regulations and that each vehicle be branded by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing Motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles differ between states, however there are a number of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for motor vehicle Accident attorneys vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

The first step to import race cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily entered for racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll need to have an CAMS license and demonstrate your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the vehicle. You must also comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, such as fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You must check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you'll be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

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 vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents, whichever is shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem taxes ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the basis. 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 "motor vehicle" as every device capable of transporting property or persons and is powered by a source other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming enterprise and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to motor vehicle accident vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally the definition of the word is to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of an area with more than 1 million people.