Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding el Dorado motor Vehicle accident attorney vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. This includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several people each signature must be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be included with it. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand specifically that vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper requirements, and that each automobile be branded by the manufacturer to meet these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't meet these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing fox point motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles differ from one state to another, but there are commonalities across the country when it comes to registering the vehicle and getting a driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes seymour motor vehicle accident lawyer sport-related standards.

The first step to import a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that will be imported permanently or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify for this, you'll need to have a CAMS license and demonstrate your past motorsport participation and a real need for the vehicle. You also need to meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You must complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through 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 less, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to Customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax which ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the operation or farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition may vary slightly between states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs dealers who sell second-hand and new cars, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle belonging to the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.