Motor vehicle accident attorney Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are some commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition, all 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 and accompanied by a black-and-white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand, in particular, that vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every automobile be identified by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't comply with these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle accidents vehicles vary from one state to another, however there are universalities across the country when it comes to registering vehicles and obtaining an official driving license. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are controlled 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 a number of motor sport related requirements.

The first step to import a racing car to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars that will be imported permanently or temporarily raced.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll require an CAMS license and demonstrate your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the vehicle. You must also meet other requirements to be compliant including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features which make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for motor vehicle Accident attorney touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are sent with the imported auto. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines a "motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is driven by power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in the operation or farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption 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, motor Vehicle accident attorney moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used in the performance of an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally the definition of the word is to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.