Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are a few similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as in addition to 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 or license plates. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars must make sure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional fees. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several people each signature must be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand particularly that motor vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as meeting these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import an automobile that does not meet these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles vary from one state to the next, but there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes down to registering a vehicle and obtaining an driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as many motor sports related regulations.

The first step to import racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

You will need a CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You must also satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and has features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You will have to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle clears customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on piston displacement using their book value as a base. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The car owner must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or operation, as well as implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor motor vehicle accident Law firm vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought a vehicle or truck.

A government Motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and used to perform the transportation purpose of an agency or activity. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.