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 along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the countries that 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' permits. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must make sure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional fees. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally titled an imported vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each one affix the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

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

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, however there are a number of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor vehicle accident law firm sport-related requirements.

The first step to import a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. Additionally, you must meet other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US unless the car is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You will need to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person with a disability, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or operation, as well as implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Every state's law may differ from the definition and any vehicle that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle Accident attorney vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency or the activity. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of firefighters or police officers, and the vehicles of the commissioners court of the county of more than 1 million people.