Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified 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 who are planning to import their own 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. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require, in particular, that motor vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that every automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as meeting these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import vehicles that do not comply with these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state however, there are some similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including several motor vehicle Accident Law firm sport related requirements.

The first step to import race cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily raced.

To be eligible to be eligible, you'll require a CAMS license and demonstrate your previous motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the car. You also need to comply with other requirements for compliance like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of entry and has 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 before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or less as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-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 as an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and is driven by power other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person with an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation as well as equipment of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition can differ between states, and the vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

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

The definition of a government motor vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transport function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Additionally the definition of the word is as any vehicle that is used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million people.