Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. license plates or driver's licenses. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their personal vehicles must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual Each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't comply with these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, but there are many commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including various motor Vehicle Accident lawsuits sport related requirements.

If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are being permanently imported or temporarily race-related.

To be eligible to be eligible, you'll need to have a CAMS license as well as prove your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the vehicle. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, such as fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You must select 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

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive 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 have to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

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

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ slightly 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 requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

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

A government motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle is a vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, motor vehicle accident lawsuits or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or operation. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court in an area with more than one million residents.