Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their vehicles 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

Nonresidents who wish to import their own cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. This includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by a number of people Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should also accompany it. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import an automobile that does not comply with these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicles differ between states, however there are a number of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

The first step to import racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily raced.

You'll require a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. You also need to meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import a race car into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or unpractical for use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported 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 period of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they must to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as their base. 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 Purposes

The law defines "motor Vehicle Accident Attorney vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport people or property that is powered by something other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farm business and implements of husbandry or Motor vehicle accident attorney snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ in different states, and any vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees dealers who sell second-hand and new cars, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized in the performance of an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million inhabitants.