Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ according to state, there are certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws governing motor vehicle accident vehicles, carmel Motor Vehicle accident Lawyer as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the documentation to avoid additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several people each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be included with it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicle accident vehicles that are less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wants to import an automobile that does not meet these requirements then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes down to registering vehicles and obtaining an official 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 other equipment, which includes various motor sport related regulations.

If you are importing cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

You'll need an CAMS licence and to prove that you have participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire to own a car. You will also need to satisfy other requirements to be compliant, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US unless that car is racing at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways or roads. You must select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll 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 been ratified by 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 show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as a base. Additionally spare parts included with the imported vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "Carmel Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation and implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and the vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased the wrong 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 used to perform the transportation function of an agency, or business. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle belonging to the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.