motor vehicle accident lawsuits Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there are certain similarities across the United States in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws on 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 and license plates. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must make sure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand, in particular, that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to the safety and bumper requirements, and that each automobile be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car which does not meet the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are similarities across the country when it comes down to registering a vehicle and obtaining an driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

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

To be eligible for this program, you'll be required to possess a CAMS license and proof of your previous participation in motorsports and a genuine need for the vehicle. You will also need to comply with a range of other requirements to be compliant, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make it unsafe or unpractical 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 for touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or the shorter period without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based on piston displacement. In addition spare parts included with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the car-owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by something other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the operation or farming business as well as equipment of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Every state's law may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle-related businesses. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency or operation. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of firefighters or police officers, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.