Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must make sure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is shared by a number of people Each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be attached to it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix the label on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that does not comply with these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are some commonalities across the country when it comes to the registration of a vehicle and obtaining an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including several motor sport related requirements.

The first step in importing racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.

You'll require an CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for a vehicle. You also need to meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

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 vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the basis. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to mean 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 has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or operation as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "Motor vehicle accident Lawsuits vehicle" may differ in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle division of the state governs dealers of second-hand and new vehicles, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those 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, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation purpose of an agency or operation. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in an area with more than 1 million people.