Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding west wendover motor vehicle Accident lawyer vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from 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 in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle should 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 documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

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

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

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state however, there are some similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes hillsdale motor vehicle accident law firm sport-related rules and regulations.

If you plan to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars that will be imported permanently or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

You'll require a CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements for compliance, including the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You will need to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Imported Vehicles for touring

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

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem tax which ranges from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are sent with the imported auto. The presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport people or property that is powered by something other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming business, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and used to carry out the transportation function of an agency, or operation. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally, the term is defined 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 vehicles of police or firefighters, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million residents.