Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are certain commonalities across the nation regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must make sure they have the documents needed to avoid additional fees. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person Each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

In order for an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix an identification label to each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

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

Imported Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state however there are a number of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including a number of bridgeport motor vehicle accident lawyer sport related requirements.

If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a real desire for a car. You must also satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

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

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by 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 HS-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 ranging from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. In addition, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting property or people and that is propelled by power other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farm business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails 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 licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

The glennville motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies, as well as other businesses that are related to rye motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is utilized to carry out the transport role of an agency or business. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county that has a population greater than 1 million.