Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there's certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles and related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their own cars should have them documented to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle must 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 license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each vehicle affix an identification label to each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state, however there are a number of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. 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 national standards for cars and equipment, as well as a number of motor sport related requirements.

If you plan to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or temporarily raced.

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

The EPA does not grant permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You must complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their 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 show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has handicap, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agriculture business, as well as implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly among states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the registration, motor Vehicle Accident lawsuits licensing and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

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