Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer, you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries who have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all the documentation to avoid additional charges. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to 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's license or ID card. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicle accidents vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary between states, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, motor vehicle accident law firms establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related standards.

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 a requirement for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily entered for racing.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll require an CAMS license as well as prove your past motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. You also need to meet other requirements to be compliant including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or impractical 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 accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT H-7 upon entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as their base. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

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 encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agriculture business and also implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms used dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle accident law firms (secret info) vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation purpose. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Additionally the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety 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 owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.