Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States regarding titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws governing pacific motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars should ensure they have the documentation to avoid additional fees. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several individuals Each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be attached to it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

In order for an imported car to be legally entitled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix an identification label to each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import an automobile that does not meet these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state however, there are a lot of commonalities nationally regarding 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 within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related standards.

The first step in importing racing cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or temporarily raced.

To be eligible for this, you'll need to have an CAMS license and proof of your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. You will also need to satisfy other requirements for compliance, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on roads and highways. You will need to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Touring 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. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or operation as well as equipment of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition could differ slightly in different states, and any vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, glencoe motor vehicle accident attorney and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government yeadon motor vehicle accident attorney" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used in the performance of an agency's or activity's transport function. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. Furthermore, the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle belonging to the commissioners court of a county with more than one million.