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, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all the documents needed to avoid additional charges. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by a number of people each signature must be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be attached to it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand particularly that vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper regulations and that each vehicle be labeled by the manufacturer to meet these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to another, but there are some universalities across the country in the process of registering vehicles and obtaining an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including many motor sports related regulations.

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 a requirement for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. You will also need to meet a number of other compliance requirements, including the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it was race-ready during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons 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 with a disability, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agriculture business, as well as implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. Every state's law 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 as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle department of the state oversees new and second-hand dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle is any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation purpose of an agency or the activity. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. Furthermore, the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.