Motor vehicle accident attorneys Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of the countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white copy 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 necessary documents.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and motor Vehicle accident Attorneys Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand that vehicles not older than 25 years conform to the safety and bumper requirements, and that each automobile be branded by the manufacturer as meeting these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the standards, motor vehicle Accident attorneys they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are similarities across the country when it comes down to registering an automobile and getting a driving license. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars that will be permanently imported or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You will also have to meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US in the event that the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways and roads. You will have to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by 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 the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. In addition spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agricultural business and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that falls within 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 governs dealers of second-hand and new vehicles manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle related companies. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, 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. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than one million.