Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary according to state, there are certain commonalities across the nation in regards to titling, registration, fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as other 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. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must ensure they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

To allow an imported car to be legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand specifically that motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as meeting these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car that is not in compliance with the standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

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

The first step in importing racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily race-related.

In order to qualify for this, you'll be required to possess a CAMS license as well as prove your past motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. Additionally, you must satisfy other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee which ranges from 15% to 100%, motor vehicle accident law Firm based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts that are shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the car-owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with a disability, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agriculture business and implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. Each state's laws may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt 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 businesses related to Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can 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 purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to carry out the transportation role of an agency or the activity. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million residents.