Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there's certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their vehicles to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Nonresidents who wish to import their own cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle must 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 do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't meet these standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles differ from one state to another, but there are a few similarities across the country when it comes to registering vehicles and obtaining an driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

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 a requirement for cars that are being permanently imported or Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need an CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and have a real 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 does not grant permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or less without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as being subject to an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100%, based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts included in the imported vehicle. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "Motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who has handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agricultural business and also implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. Each state's statute may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is deemed to be in compliance with the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, motor vehicle accident lawsuits forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to carry out an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. In addition 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 firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than one million.