Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must 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 photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that decatur motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles that are not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet these requirements then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from one state to another, however there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes to registering a vehicle and obtaining the required driving license. Safety of the 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 vehicles and equipment, including several motor sport related regulations.

The first step in importing a racing car to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily race-related.

In order to qualify for this, you'll require an CAMS license as well as prove your previous motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You must also comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is racing at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make it unsafe or unpractical for use on roads and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified 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 as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and H-7 upon entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as their base. Additionally spare parts that are shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines "north tonawanda motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they purchased a vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government Mcloud motor vehicle accident attorney" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used to carry out an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters and vehicles owned the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million people.