motor vehicle accident attorneys Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and automobile federal laws on motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by a number of people each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should be attached to it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand, in particular, that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years of age conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile 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 standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are commonalities across the country when it comes to registering a vehicle and obtaining a driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

The first step in importing race cars into the United States is to get written approval from 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 will need an CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire to own a car. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of its entry and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax which ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. In addition, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is driven by power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agricultural business and also implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, automobile and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The laws of each state may differ from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs dealers of second-hand and new vehicles, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove they bought a defective car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and used to carry out the transportation function of an agency or business. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. In addition the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.