motor vehicle accident lawyer Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as and related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that 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' permits. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several people, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card must be accompanied by it. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor vehicle Accident Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each vehicle 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 nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not 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 that govern motor vehicles differ from one state to another, but there are some universalities across the country in the process of registering a vehicle and obtaining the required driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

The first step in importing race cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that will be imported permanently or temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. Additionally, you must comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is racing at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You must select the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they are required to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the basis. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agriculture business, as well as implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition can differ among states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor vehicle accident (visit web site)" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to fulfill the transportation function. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.