Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must ensure that they have all the documents needed to avoid additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several individuals each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that paris motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix a label on each such vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wants to import a car that is not in compliance with the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws that govern middleburg heights motor vehicle Accident lawyer vehicles vary from one state to another, however there are a few similarities across the country when it comes to the registration of an automobile and getting the required driving license. 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 cars and other equipment, which includes several motor sport related regulations.

If you are importing an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily raced.

To be eligible for this, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license as well as prove your past motorsport participation and a real need for the car. You will also have to comply with other requirements for compliance including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US in the event that the car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on piston displacement using their book value as a base. In addition spare parts shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The car owner must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor used for the operation or farming business as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and the vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and used to perform the transportation function of an agency or business. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. In addition the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.