Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles vary from state to state, there are commonalities across the nation regarding titling and motor Vehicle accident Law firms registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you will find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles and related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have accepted 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 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 be subject to additional duties. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. In addition, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each one affix the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import vehicles that do not meet these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to the next, but there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of vehicles and obtaining a 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 national standards for cars and equipment, including several motor sport related requirements.

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

You'll require an CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. You will also have to satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is in race configuration when it is entered and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You will need to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they must to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are shipped with the vehicle imported. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property and which is powered by a source other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person suffering from a disability; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming operation, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible 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 second-hand dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or business. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. Additionally the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million people.