Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional duties. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is shared by a number of people each signature must be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be accompanied by it. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require that motor vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper regulations, and that each automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't meet these standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to another, but there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of an automobile and getting an driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as a number of motor sport related requirements.

If you intend to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify for this, you'll need to have an CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the car. You must also meet a number of other requirements for compliance, such as the fitting of child restraints and motor Vehicle accident law firms 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as the base. In addition spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device capable of transporting people or property that is powered by something other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly in different states, and any vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle division regulates new and used 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 bought an unreliable new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and motor vehicle accident law firms used to perform the transportation function of an agency or activity. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million inhabitants.