Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle accidents vehicle laws vary according to state, there are certain similarities across the country in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you will find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their personal cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle must 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 copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand specifically that motor Vehicle accident law firms vehicles not older than 25 years conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing 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 driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including a number of motor vehicle accident law firms sport related regulations.

The first step in importing racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require a CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports, and have a valid desire for a car. Additionally, you must meet other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

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

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles 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 DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee ranging from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are included in the imported vehicle. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

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

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees new and second-hand dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased a vehicle that was defective.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to carry out the transportation function of an agency, or business. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million inhabitants.