Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States regarding titling registration fees, taxes, and motor Vehicle accident attorneys drivers licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicles as well as related legal questions & Answers.

The nationals of the 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 authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must make sure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by a number of people each signature must be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards require that Motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix an identification label to each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with standards, they must to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to another, but there are a few universalities across the country when it comes to the registration of an automobile and getting an driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes a number of motor vehicle accident law firms sport related regulations.

If you intend to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You must also meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

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. However, motor vehicle accident attorneys they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on piston displacement using their book value as a base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport property or people and that is powered by something other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and the vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and used to carry out the transportation purpose of an agency or the activity. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. Additionally, the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million people.