Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the country regarding titling, 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.

The nationals of the countries that have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several individuals Each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each such automobile affix the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

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

Vehicles Imported for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, however, there are a lot of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including several motor sport related requirements.

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

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. You will also have to comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on streets and highways. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who visit 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 or shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition, spare parts sent with the imported vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle accident law firms - read this article, vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in operation or farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that meets the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they bought a vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to carry out the transportation role of an agency or business. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Additionally the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety in 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 in an area with more than 1 million residents.