motor vehicle accident lawsuit Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws pertaining to motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified 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 be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must 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 documents.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to the next, but there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of a vehicle and obtaining a 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 cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

If you are planning to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll be required to possess a CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the car. You will also have to meet other requirements to be compliant like fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways or roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who visit 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 documents or less and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, motor Vehicle accident Attorney as as an ad valorem rate that ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agriculture business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating new and second-hand dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney vehicle-related businesses. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition, 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 vehicles of firefighters or police officers, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million residents.