Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that 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' licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must ensure they have all the documents needed to avoid additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by 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 can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand, in particular, that motor vehicle accident law Firms vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper standards, and that each automobile be labelled by the manufacturer as meeting these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to another, however there are commonalities across the nation in the process of registering an automobile and getting an driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including several motor sport related requirements.

If you are importing an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that will be imported permanently or temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible for this program, you'll need to have an CAMS license and demonstrate your previous motorsport participation and a real need for the car. You will also need to satisfy other requirements for compliance, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your 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 use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or less and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. However, they must to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the basis. Additionally spare parts shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting property or persons and is powered by something other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for motor vehicle Accident law firms the running of a farming enterprise tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transport function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of the county of more than 1 million inhabitants.