Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as and 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. license plates and driver's licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the documentation to avoid additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. In addition all documents related 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 may be used to sign all paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that Motor vehicle accident Attorney vehicles that are less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix the label on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import an automobile that does not comply with these standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles differ from one state to another, however there are some commonalities across the country in the process of registering 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 vehicles and other equipment, which includes various motor sport related regulations.

The first step to import racing cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy other compliance requirements, including the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they have to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as a base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are sent with the imported auto. The owner of the vehicle must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person with handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by 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 licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates dealers of second-hand and new vehicles and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets as well as 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 ambulances, private vehicles owned by police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of an area with more than one million residents.