Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary 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 will find federal and state laws governing modesto motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of the 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' permits. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by a number of 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 do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney that the maker of each one affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car that does not meet the requirements, they'll have to submit 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 for motor vehicles vary from state to state, but there are many commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including many motor sports related regulations.

The first step to import racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll require an CAMS license and prove your previous participation in motorsports and a real need for the car. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US unless the car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways and roads. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before 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 cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time 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.

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

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and that is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who has an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly in different states, and any vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The state's motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle division regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

A government Motor vehicle Accident attorney vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to carry out the transportation purpose of an agency or business. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million residents.