west miami motor vehicle accident lawyer Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing north hills motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles as well as 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. license plates or driver's licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certification of origin and other legal documents that pertain 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 photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally titled an imported vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand, in particular, that vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper requirements, and that each automobile be identified by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle which does not meet the requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as a number of motor sport related requirements.

If you are planning to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily used for racing purposes.

In order to qualify for this, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and proof of your previous participation in motorsports and a real need for the car. You must also satisfy other requirements for compliance, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless the car is racing at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

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 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 subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee which ranges from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. 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 person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agriculture business, as well as implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

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

The definition of a government motor vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used in the performance of the transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.