Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary according to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

The 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 authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own cars must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading the certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to 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 should be accompanied by it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle which does not meet the standards, they'll need to file 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 governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting an driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing.

To be eligible for motor vehicle Accident attorney this program, you'll need to have a CAMS license as well as prove your past motorsport participation and a real need for the car. You must also comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways or roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or shorter without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition, spare parts sent with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The car owner must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device capable of transporting people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular force that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming enterprise tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney vehicle" may differ between states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used in the performance of an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of firefighters or police officers, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million people.