Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish 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, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is shared by a number of people Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

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

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import an automobile that does not comply with these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to another, however there are similarities across the country when it comes to the registration of a vehicle and obtaining a driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related standards.

If you plan to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily entered into racing.

You will need an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports, and have a valid desire for a car. You will also have to comply with other requirements for motor vehicle Accident lawsuits compliance such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or unpractical for use on roads and highways. You will need to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they must to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as the basis. In addition spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving people or property and which is propelled by power other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ slightly from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that is deemed to be in compliance with the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used in the performance of an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Furthermore, the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county having more than one million.