motor vehicle accident law firm Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there are some commonalities across the country regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who 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. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not pay additional duty. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents that pertain 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's license or ID card. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

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. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm bumper standards and that the producer of each such automobile affix the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wishes to import an automobile that does not comply with these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes many motor sports related requirements.

The first step in importing a racing car to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be permanently imported or temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify for this, you'll need to have a CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the vehicle. You will also need to comply with a range of other requirements to be compliant, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

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

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who are 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 cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or less without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. In addition spare parts included with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle" as every vehicle that can transport property or people and that is powered by something other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly among states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and used to perform the transportation function of an agency, or the activity. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. Additionally the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county that has a population greater than 1 million.