Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles and related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must ensure they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by multiple people each signature must be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must 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 legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that Motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place an identification label to each vehicle stating that it satisfies these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import vehicles that do not meet the standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to the next, but there are similarities across the country in the process of registering vehicles and obtaining a driving license. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are also controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor vehicle accidents sport-related rules and regulations.

The first step in importing racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily race-related.

You'll require a CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. You will also need to comply with a range of other compliance requirements, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on streets and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they must to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee that can range from 15% up to 100% based on piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agricultural business and implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition may vary slightly between states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs dealers who sell second-hand and new cars, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or motor vehicle accident law firm GSA fleet lease that is used in the performance of the transportation function. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. In addition the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county that has more than one million.