everett motor vehicle accident lawyer Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles, as well as 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. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Nonresidents who wish to import their own cars should have them documented 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. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is shared by a number of people each signature must be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be attached to it. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To allow an imported car to be legally entitled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicle accident vehicles not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each one affix an identification label to each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however there are a number of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, everett Motor Vehicle Accident lawyer establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

The first step to import racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily raced.

You will need an CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other requirements to be compliant, such as fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is race-ready at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make it unsafe or not suitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you'll be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

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

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the base. Additionally spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the car-owner is necessary.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farm business, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and second-hand dealers and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out an agency's or activity's transport purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. In addition, the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.