Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are a few commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver’s licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing motor motor vehicle accident Attorney vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries who have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers’ permits. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who wish to import their own cars should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle must also 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, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must comply with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each automobile must place an identification label to each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of an automobile and getting an driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor 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 for cars that are imported for a long time or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

You will need an CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire to own a car. You must also comply with a range of other requirements to be compliant, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready 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 prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

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

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as a base. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts included in the imported vehicle. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines “motor vehicle” as any device that is capable of transporting property or persons and is driven by power other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farm business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ from the definition and any vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state’s licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The state’s motor vehicle accident vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney vehicle-related businesses. It also administers state 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 that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.