Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in 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 are planning to import their personal vehicles should have them documented to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers 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 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 paperwork.

In order for an imported car to be legally registered in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicles less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix an identification label to each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they'll have to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

decatur Motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle laws differ from state to state, however, there are some commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

If you intend to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are being permanently imported or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

You'll need an CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire to own a car. Additionally, you must comply with a range of other compliance requirements, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable 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.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

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

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the base. In addition, spare parts sent in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property and which is powered by something other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farm business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly among states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial accountability laws of the state.

The state's maple grove motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove that they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency or operation. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court of an area with more than 1 million people.