Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary from state to state, Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys there are some commonalities across the country in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must make sure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person 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 have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand specifically that vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper regulations and that each vehicle be labeled by the manufacturer as meeting these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet these standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are commonalities across the country in the process of registering vehicles and obtaining an driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are also 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 a number of motor sport related requirements.

The first step to import a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and have a genuine need for a car. You will also need to comply with a range of other compliance requirements, including the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on streets and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents, whichever is shorter without the need to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting people or property and which is powered by a source other than muscular force and is not limited to (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, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ 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 accident lawyer vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to carry out the transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, ambulances, and vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county with more than 1 million.