Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as well as related legal questions & Answers.

The nationals of countries that have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm drivers' permits. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their personal cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not pay additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by multiple people Each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or Motor vehicle Accident law firm ID card must be included with it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require specifically that motor vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that each vehicle be labeled by the manufacturer to meet these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicle accident law firm (More) vehicles differ from state to state, however, there are some commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, 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 cars and equipment, as well as various motor sport related regulations.

The first step to import a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll need to have an CAMS license and proof of your past motorsport participation and a genuine need for the vehicle. You must also satisfy other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it was race-ready during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on roads and highways. You must make sure to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

Motorists who are visiting 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 passports or the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the car-owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or operation, as well as implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition could differ slightly between states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each state.

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

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