Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles 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 who are planning to import their own vehicles should ensure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by several individuals each signature must be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

In order for 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. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car which does not meet the requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are a few similarities across the country when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting an driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also enforced by 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 requirements.

If you plan to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You will need an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy other requirements for compliance, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US unless that car is racing at the time of entry and motor Vehicle accident Attorneys does not possess any features that render it unsafe or unpractical for use on roads and highways. You will have to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you'll be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

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

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as a base. In addition spare parts shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving people or property that is powered by something other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ in different states, and any vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and motor vehicle accident attorneys second-hand dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle-related companies. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county with more than one million.