Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary by state, there's certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws on Motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles, Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars must make sure they have the documents needed to avoid additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require specifically that motor vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they'll have to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to the next, but there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes tempe motor vehicle accident lawyer sport-related rules and regulations.

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 only available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a genuine need for a vehicle. You will also have to satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You must select the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified 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 must 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 duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts that are included in the imported vehicle. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming operation or implements of husbandry 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 meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and motor vehicle accident attorney used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove that they bought a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to perform the transportation purpose of an agency or activity. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.