Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Nonresidents who wish to import their own cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't pay additional duty. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person Each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

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

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to another, however there are a few similarities across the country when it comes to registering the vehicle and getting the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

If you intend to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that will be imported permanently or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify for this, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and proof of your previous motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the vehicle. Additionally, you must comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

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

Imported Touring Vehicles

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 validity period of their passports or the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. However, they have to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as with an ad valorem fee which ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. In addition spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving people or property that is powered by a source other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming enterprise, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ slightly from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that is deemed to be in compliance with the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle accident law firm (just click the following page) vehicle department of the state oversees new and second-hand dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used to carry out the transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.