Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are certain similarities across the country regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicle Accident attorney vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their own cars should have them documented to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by several people Each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import an automobile that does not meet these requirements and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ between states, however, there are some commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

The first step to import racing cars 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 an CAMS licence and to prove that you have participated in motorsports, and have a valid need for a car. You will also have to meet other requirements to be compliant including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US unless it is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways and roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

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

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and which 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 an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agricultural business and also implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state's laws may differ from the definition and any vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees dealers who sell second-hand and new cars as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle accident vehicle related businesses. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased a vehicle that was defective.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to fulfill an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in the county of more than one million residents.