Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, there are some commonalities across the country in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as along with related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their vehicles to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several 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 possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To allow an imported car to be legally entitled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicle accidents vehicles that are less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place an identification label to each vehicle stating that it satisfies these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, however, there are some commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

If you are importing an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily used for racing purposes.

In order to qualify for this, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and prove your previous motorsport participation and a real need for the car. You will also have to meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you'll be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by 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 show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as the basis. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farm business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and the vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle accident Law firms vehicle division of the state governs new and second-hand dealers and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or motor Vehicle accident law firms GSA fleet leasing, and utilized to carry out the transport role of an agency or business. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.