Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While aurora motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are a few similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as along with related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of 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. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional fees. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certification of origin and other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each one affix a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these requirements then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, but there are many commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

The first step to import racing cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered for racing.

You will need a CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. Additionally, you must meet a number of other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on streets and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents, whichever is shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the base. Additionally spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which 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 with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agricultural business as well as equipment of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks or tracks, and Vimeo.Com (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition may vary slightly in different states, and any vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

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

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or business. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of firefighters or police officers, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million people.