Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicle accidents (click to investigate) vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. license plates or driver's licenses. A 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 be subject to additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must 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 do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles that are less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix the label on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that does not meet the standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to the next, but there are commonalities across the country when it comes to registering the vehicle and getting the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

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

You will need an CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for a vehicle. You also need to meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of its entry and Motor vehicle accidents does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads or highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or the shorter period and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. However, they must to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of pistons using their book value as a base. Additionally, spare parts sent in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving property or persons and Motor vehicle accidents is powered by a source other than muscular force that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming enterprise and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the 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 administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased a vehicle that was defective.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used in the performance of the transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Additionally the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.