Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there are some commonalities across the country in the areas of titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the 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' licenses. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their personal vehicles must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person 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 can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

In order for an imported car to be legally registered in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicle accident law firms motor vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet these standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary between states, however, there are some commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

The first step to import racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for vehicles which are imported for the long term or temporarily used for racing purposes.

In order to qualify for this, you will need to have a CAMS license as well as prove your past motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. You will also need to comply with a range of other compliance requirements, including the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is race-ready at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways or roads. You will need to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by 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 the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as a base. Additionally spare parts that are 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 purpose

The law defines "motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle" as every device capable of transporting people or property that is driven by power other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle" may differ in different states, and any vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor Vehicle accident law firms (14.gregorinius.com) vehicle division regulates new and used dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and used to perform the transportation purpose of an agency or business. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.