Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

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

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles should ensure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional charges. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to 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 valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

In order for an imported car to be legally entitled 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 lawsuit vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are some commonalities across the country when it comes to the registration of a vehicle and obtaining the required driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced 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 sport related requirements.

The first step in importing 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 that are temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll require an CAMS license and proof of your previous participation in motorsports and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You will also have to comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads and highways. You must make sure to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100% based upon the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the car-owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle accidents vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation and also implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that is deemed to be in compliance with the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs dealers who sell second-hand and new cars, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle-related businesses. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or the activity. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the department of Public Safety. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.