Bridgeport Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

The nationals of the countries that 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. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certification of origin and other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining 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 photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require specifically that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be labelled by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import an automobile that does not comply with these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to another, however there are some similarities across the country when it comes to registering the vehicle and getting the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes grand rapids motor vehicle accident law firm sport-related rules and regulations.

If you plan to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.

You will need an CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for a vehicle. You will also have to meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

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

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax which ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. In addition spare parts shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person with a disability, (b) farm type tractor used for the operation or farming business and implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they bought an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used to fulfill an agency's or activity's transport function. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle that belong to the commissioners' court of a county with more than one million.