Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary according to state, there are certain commonalities across the nation in regards to titling, registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates or driver's licenses. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional duties. Documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to 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 has to be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally titled an imported vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary between states, but there are many commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced 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 vehicle accident attorneys sports-related standards.

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 available for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

You will need an CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a genuine need for a car. You must also comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, including the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not grant 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 make it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Motorists traveling to 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 automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or less and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 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 ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on piston displacement using their book value as the base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting property or people and that is powered by something other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and the vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, links.musicnotch.com which offers relief to consumers who can prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized in the performance of the transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, and gfoodshow2020.web3.newwaynet.co.kr any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of an area with more than one million residents.