Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles and related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles should have them documented to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to 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 be accompanied by it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand, in particular, that motor vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper regulations, and that each automobile be labelled by the manufacturer as meeting these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car that does not meet the requirements, they'll have 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

oradell motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle laws differ from state to state however, there are some similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

If you intend to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is only required for cars that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You will need an CAMS licence and to prove that you have participated in motorsports, and have a valid desire for a car. You will also have to comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is in race configuration when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate ranging from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are included in the imported vehicle. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and which is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with an impairment, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or operation and also implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. Each state's laws may differ from the definition and any vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The lincoln motor vehicle accident Lawsuit vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating used and new dealers and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought a defective car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.