Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition, all documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual Each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require that motor Vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that each automobile be branded by the manufacturer to meet these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import vehicles that do not meet the standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to another, but there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes to the registration of the vehicle and getting the required driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

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

In order to qualify for this, you'll require an CAMS license as well as prove your previous participation in motorsports and a real need for the vehicle. You will also need to comply with a range of other requirements to be compliant, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US unless that car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features which make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or motor vehicle accident lawsuits the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they must to show EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are included in the imported vehicle. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting people or property that is powered by something other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming business, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly between states, and the vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers, manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Additionally, the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police or firefighters, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million inhabitants.