Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding ruidoso motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles vary by state, there are certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their personal vehicles must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix the label on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle which does not meet the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state but there are many similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including many motor sports related requirements.

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 necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible for this, you will require a CAMS license and proof of your previous participation in motorsports and a genuine need for the vehicle. Additionally, you must satisfy other requirements for compliance, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is racing during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

Motorists who visit 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 cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports, whichever is shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property, and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation as well as equipment of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that falls within the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

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

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation function. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally, the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.