Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are some commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person 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 may be used to sign all documents.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each vehicle affix the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that does not meet the requirements, they'll have to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however, there are some commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including several motor vehicle accident lawsuit sport related regulations.

The first step in importing a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily used for racing purposes.

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

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they must to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the base. In addition spare parts that are shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and that is driven by power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in the operation or farming business and also implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that is deemed to be in compliance with the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle accident Law Firm vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers of second-hand and new vehicles, manufacturers, moving firms 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 any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and used to carry out the transportation function of an agency, or business. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than one million.