Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles and related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents pertaining 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-and-white copy 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 the documents.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

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

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing union motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles differ from state to state but there are many commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and other equipment, which includes many motor sports related regulations.

The first step in importing racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily race-related.

You'll need an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and have a real need for a vehicle. You must also 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 race cars into the US unless the car is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways and 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.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports, whichever is shorter without the need to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee that ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts that are shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is required.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting property or people and that is powered by a source other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farm business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that falls within the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The kingsville motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle department of the state oversees dealers of second-hand and new vehicles as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove that they purchased a vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government Lawrenceburg motor Vehicle accident law firm" 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 fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.