Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws regarding motor vehicles and related legal questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. This includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by multiple people each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand motor vehicle accident lawsuit that vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that every vehicle be labeled by the manufacturer to meet these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car which does not meet the requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles differ from one state to another, however there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes down to registering a vehicle and obtaining the required driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor vehicle accident lawsuit (supplemental resources) sports-related standards.

If you plan to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported permanently or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports, and have a valid desire for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is race-ready at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the basis. Additionally spare parts shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers of second-hand and new vehicles and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or motor vehicle accident lawsuit GSA fleet lease, and used to carry out an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Additionally, the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters and vehicles owned the commissioners court of an area with more than one million residents.