Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ according to state, there are certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the 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 non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not pay additional duty. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. In addition, all documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and [Redirect-302] white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing Metuchen motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles differ between states, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, astoria motor vehicle Accident lawyer and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including several motor sport related regulations.

The first step in importing a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that will be permanently imported or that are temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible for this, you will need to have an CAMS license as well as prove your previous participation in motorsports and a real need for the vehicle. You must also meet a number of other requirements to be compliant, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of entry and does not have any features which make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways or roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles 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. 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 use in touring are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as their base. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving property or persons and is propelled by power other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farm business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ 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 motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other marion motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought an unreliable new jersey motor vehicle accident lawsuit car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency, or activity. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition the definition of the word is as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of the county of more than one million residents.