Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ according to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in terms of titling, registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as along with related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the countries that have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person 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 the paperwork.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that every vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle laws vary between states, but there are many commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, 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 sports-related requirements.

The first step to import racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered for racing.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll need to have a CAMS license and prove your previous participation in motorsports and a real need for the vehicle. Additionally, Motor vehicle accident attorney you must meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing car into the US unless it was race-ready when it is entered and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles 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 time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they have to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as their base. In addition, spare parts sent with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agriculture business and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Every state's law may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt 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 department of the state oversees new and second-hand dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they purchased a vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to carry out an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. In addition the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle that belong to the commissioners' court of a county that has a population greater than 1 million.