Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle laws differ by state, there are certain commonalities across the nation regarding titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you will find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of the countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional fees. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. Additionally all documents related 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 be included with it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each one affix a label on each such vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with requirements, they'll have to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state, however there are a number of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor vehicle accident law firm sports-related rules and regulations.

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

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll require an CAMS license and proof of your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. You must also comply with other requirements for compliance including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US in the event that the car is race-ready at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You must make sure to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted 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. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts included in the imported vehicle. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle" as any device capable of transporting property or persons and is propelled by power other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming enterprise and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly in different states, and motor vehicle accident lawsuits any vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs dealers who sell second-hand and new cars and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove that they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used in the performance of an agency's or activity's transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. It also includes 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 cars of police officers or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in an area with more than 1 million people.