Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary by state, there's some commonalities across the country in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that have adopted 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 approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all the documentation to avoid additional fees. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by a number of people Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

In order for an imported car to be legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require particularly that motor vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every automobile be branded by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't meet the 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.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle Accident lawsuits vehicles vary from state to another, but there are commonalities across the nation when it comes down to registering vehicles and obtaining the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

The first step in importing a racing car to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll require a CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the car. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements for compliance, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not allow you to import a race car into the US unless that car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

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

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem rate ranging from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every vehicle that can transport people or property and Motor vehicle accident lawsuits which is driven by power other than muscular force that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly in different states, and any vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs dealers who sell second-hand and new cars as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought a defective car or truck.

A government motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle is a vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and motor vehicle accident lawsuits used to carry out the transportation role of an agency or the activity. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million inhabitants.