Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there are some commonalities across the country in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find both the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by multiple people Each signature has 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, 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 comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor Vehicle accident Attorney vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place an identification label to each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car that isn't in compliance with standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however, there are some similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are subject to 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 many motor sports related regulations.

If you are importing an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is available for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily entered for racing.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a vehicle. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they have to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as a base. In addition spare parts included with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who has an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in operation or farming business as well as equipment of mowing or snow plowing, motor vehicle Accident attorney (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Every state's law may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is deemed to be in compliance with the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle accidents vehicle-related businesses. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to fulfill the transportation purpose of an agency or operation. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.