Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are a few similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles and related legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional charges. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person, each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require particularly that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile be labelled by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import an automobile that does not meet these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are some universalities across the country when it comes to the registration of a vehicle and obtaining an driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes el paso motor vehicle accident lawyer sports-related requirements.

If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered for racing.

You will need a CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports and have a genuine need for a car. You also need to comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US unless the car is race-ready at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways or roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as their base. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are sent with the imported auto. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

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 mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation and implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition could differ slightly in different states, and any vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The camden motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through the purchase, Vimeo.com forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or business. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in an area with more than one million residents.