motor vehicle accident Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, 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 International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not pay additional duty. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature has to be notarized with 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 paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each vehicle affix the label on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle which does not meet the requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state but there are many similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. 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, including several motor sport related requirements.

If you are importing an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is only available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.

In order to qualify for this, you will be required to possess a CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the car. You also need to meet other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or impractical to use on roads and highways. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle clears customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed 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 present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are shipped with the vehicle imported. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving property or persons and is powered by a source other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible for motor vehicle Accident lawsuits exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor Vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to perform the transportation purpose of an agency or operation. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and vehicles owned the commissioners court of the county of more than 1 million people.