Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there's certain commonalities across the nation in regards to titling, registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not pay additional duty. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. All documents that pertain to 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 copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

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

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary between states, but there are many commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

The first step to import racing cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

To be eligible for this program, you'll require a CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a legitimate need for the car. You must also comply with other requirements for compliance including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on streets and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and 7 upon entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the basis. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle accident lawyers - Recommended Internet page - vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property that is powered by something other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farm business, implements of husbandry, or motor vehicle accident lawyers snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ among states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating new and second-hand dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor vehicle accident attorney" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. Furthermore the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle that belong to the commissioners' court of a county having more than 1 million.