Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their own cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature must be notarized with 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 documents.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle which does not meet the requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, motor vehicle accident Lawsuits however there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes down to registering a vehicle and obtaining the required driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. 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.

If you intend to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require an CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports and have a real need for a vehicle. You will also have to meet other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US in the event that the car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways or roads. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted 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 the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the basis. In addition spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting people or property and which is powered by a source other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming operation tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly between states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits vehicle division of the state governs dealers of second-hand and new vehicles manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they bought a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or activity. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.