Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although pevely des peres motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle accident attorney, vimeo.com, vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws pertaining to motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles should ensure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin, and any 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 by more than one individual each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must comply 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 old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that does not comply with these standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of the vehicle and getting the required driving license. Driver, highway 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, as well as many motor sports related regulations.

If you are importing an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be permanently imported or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll require an CAMS license and prove your previous motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the car. Additionally, you must meet other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US unless that car is race-ready at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

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

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as their base. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agricultural business as well as equipment of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. Every state's law may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.