Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there are some commonalities across the country regarding titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of the countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature has to be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require specifically that vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper regulations, and that each automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet these requirements and is not registered, 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 Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to the next, but there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of vehicles and obtaining a driving license. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor vehicle accident attorney sport-related rules and regulations.

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 race-related.

You'll require a CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for a vehicle. Additionally, you must meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make it unsafe or unpractical for use on roads and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or less, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. However, they must to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as with an ad valorem fee which ranges from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used for the operation or farming business and implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition may vary slightly between states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle department of the state oversees dealers who sell second-hand and new cars manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they bought a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation purpose of an agency or the activity. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million residents.