Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified 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 non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles should ensure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several individuals, each signature needs to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each vehicle affix the label on each vehicle that states that it meets 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 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to another, however there are a few similarities across the country when it comes down to registering a vehicle and obtaining an official driving license. Highway, driver 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 other equipment, which includes many Motor vehicle accident law firms sports related requirements.

If you are planning to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars that are imported for a long time or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

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

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as with an ad valorem fee which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and is driven by power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or operation, as well as implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or Motor vehicle Accident law firms tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Every state's law may differ slightly from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

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

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used in the performance of an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally the term is defined as any vehicle that is used 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, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million people.