Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary by state, there's certain similarities across the United States regarding titling registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who 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 authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is shared by multiple people each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be attached to it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

In order for an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand, in particular, that vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident 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 obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles differ from state to state but there are many similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, as well as a number of motor sport related requirements.

The first step in importing racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that are imported for a long time or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways and roads. You will need to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Motorists who are 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 shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the basis. In addition spare parts shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is driven by 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 for the farming or operation, as well as implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The laws of each state may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle accident lawyers (Read A great deal more) vehicle division of the state governs new and second-hand dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to carry out an agency's or activity's transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Furthermore, the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle belonging to the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.