Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by multiple people each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require specifically that vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper regulations, and that each automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying these standards.

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

Imported Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, however, there are a lot of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, 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 cars and equipment, including various motor sport related requirements.

If you intend to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily race-related.

You'll require a CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and have a real need for a vehicle. You must also satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US unless it is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways or roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles 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 time of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as a base. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are shipped with the vehicle imported. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "batesburg leesville motor vehicle accident Lawsuit vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting property or people and that is driven by power other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farm business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly in different states, and any vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

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

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used in the performance of the transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than one million.