Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While orrville motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle laws differ by state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to 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 has to be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car that is not in compliance with the standards, they must to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to another, but there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes to the registration of an automobile and getting the required driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are controlled 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 requirements.

The first step to import race cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You must also comply with a range 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 the car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways and roads. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Imported 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 passports or shorter without the need to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. Additionally, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport property or persons and is driven by power other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "Daytona Beach Shores Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer vehicle" may differ 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 state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

The definition of a"government maywood motor vehicle accident lawsuit" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to carry out the transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of firefighters or police officers, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million residents.