Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle laws vary by state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws on motor vehicles and related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must ensure they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. 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 current driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

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

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

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state but there are many commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are also regulated 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 several motor sport related requirements.

The first step in importing racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily race-related.

To be eligible to be eligible, you'll require a CAMS license as well as prove your previous motorsport participation and a real need for the vehicle. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements to be compliant, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features which make it unsafe or incompatible for use on roads and highways. You must make sure to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they are required to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the basis. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving property or persons and is driven by power other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and the vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and motor vehicle accident lawsuit other motor vehicle related companies. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to carry out an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Furthermore the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million residents.