Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are some commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as along with 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 or license plates. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. In addition, all documents pertaining 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 mountain motor vehicle accident attorney-and white copy of their valid driver 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 comply with 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 maker of each automobile must place a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car which does not meet the standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are some similarities across the country when it comes to the registration of an automobile and getting the required driving license. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

The first step in importing racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that will be imported permanently or Vimeo that are temporarily entered into racing.

You will need an CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements to be compliant, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US in the event that the car is racing at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars 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 and the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as with an ad valorem fee ranging from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. In addition, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person with handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in the operation or farming business and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Every state's law may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and second-hand dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by firefighters or Vimeo police officers, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million people.