Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

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

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. 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's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

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

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

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws for elsmere motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles vary from state to state however, there are some similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

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

You will need an CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire to own a car. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. 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

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified 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 less and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate ranging from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts that are included in the imported vehicle. The presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting property or people and that is propelled by power other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming enterprise, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that is deemed to be in compliance with the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The Southampton Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer vehicle division of the state governs 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 for customers who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and utilized to carry out the transport role of an agency or activity. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle that is 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 that belong to the commissioners' court of a county that has a population greater than 1 million.