Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you will find federal and motor vehicle accident state laws regarding motor vehicle accident - such a good point, vehicles and related legal questions & Answers.

The nationals of the 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 nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain 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 copy of the driver's license or ID card should also accompany it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each such automobile affix an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the requirements, they'll have to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state however, there are a lot of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

The first step to import racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

You'll need an CAMS licence and to prove that you have participated in motorsports and have a real desire for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy other requirements for compliance, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is racing during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted 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 present EPA forms AP3520-1 and the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as their base. In addition spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle accidents vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is driven by power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor used for the operation or farming business and implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and motor vehicle accident (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly between states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

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

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million residents.