Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor Vehicle accident Attorneys vehicle laws differ by state, there are certain commonalities across the nation regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own cars should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several people each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be included with it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix an identification label to each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet these requirements, they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles are different from one state to the next, but there are some similarities across the country when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting an driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related standards.

The first step to import racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll require a CAMS license and demonstrate your previous participation in motorsports and a legitimate need for the car. You will also need to comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of entry and has features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the basis. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The owner of the vehicle must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property, and that is propelled using power other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who has an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or operation as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition of "motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle" may differ between states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to perform the transportation function of an agency or operation. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety Department. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle belonging to the commissioners court of a county having more than one million.