motor vehicle accident attorneys (visit my web site) Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as along with related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certification of origin and other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person Each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require, in particular, that motor vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper standards and that every automobile be branded by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are some commonalities across the country when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting an official driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

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

You will need an CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and have a real desire for a car. Additionally, you must meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is in race configuration when it is entered and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or less as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate ranging from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any machine 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 assistance mobility devices operated by a person with handicap, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and motor vehicle accident attorneys tracks or tracks, Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition could differ slightly between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees dealers of second-hand and new vehicles manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that was 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 operation. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million residents.