Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there are some commonalities across the country in terms of titling, registration, fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles should ensure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain 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 license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicles less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state, but there are many similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor vehicle accident lawyers sport-related rules and regulations.

The first step to import a racing car to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll require a CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the car. You must also comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless the car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways and roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they have to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

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

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons 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 handicap, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers who sell second-hand and new cars as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to fulfill an agency's or activity's transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.