Motor 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, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles and related legal questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must make sure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several people, each signature needs to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should also accompany it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicles less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however, there are some commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes kansas motor vehicle accident lawyer sport-related standards.

The first step in importing a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing.

You'll need a CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for oklahoma motor Vehicle accident lawyer a vehicle. Additionally, you must satisfy a variety of other requirements to be compliant, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or shorter without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. However, they are required to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based upon the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle accident vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or operation as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition can differ between states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The oklahoma motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million people.