motor vehicle accident lawsuit Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of countries that have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. 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 must also 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 current driver's license or ID card. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To allow an imported car to be legally entitled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicles less than 25 years of age 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 standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to another, but there are a few universalities across the country when it comes to registering a vehicle and obtaining the required driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes a number of Motor vehicle accident Attorneys sport related regulations.

The first step to import racing cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or temporarily raced.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. You must also meet other requirements to be compliant like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on streets and highways. You must check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through customs.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars 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 as well as DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the basis. In addition spare parts shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving people or property and which is powered by something other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming operation or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle accidents vehicle related businesses. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, Motor vehicle accident attorneys which offers relief to those who prove they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to fulfill the transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, motor vehicle accident Attorneys and the vehicles of the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.