Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there's certain similarities across the country regarding titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles as well as related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as 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 person each signature has to be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require that vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile be labelled by the manufacturer to meet these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car which does not meet the requirements, they will need 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 vehicle accidents vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are some commonalities across the country when it comes down to registering an automobile and getting a driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor vehicle accident attorney (Highly recommended Webpage) sport-related standards.

If you intend to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported permanently or temporarily used for racing purposes.

To be eligible for this, you will require an CAMS license as well as prove your previous participation in motorsports and a genuine need for the car. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on streets and highways. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by 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. However, they must to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate that ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts that are shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport people or property and which is propelled by power other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming operation tools of husbandry, motor Vehicle accident Attorney or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating new and second-hand dealers and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle accidents vehicle related businesses. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought a defective car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or the activity. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county having more than one million.