Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles should have them documented to ensure that they don't pay additional duty. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, 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 have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the 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 not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each such automobile affix an inscription on each vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need to file 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 differ from one state to the next, but there are some commonalities across the country when it comes to registering a vehicle and obtaining an driving license. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, as well as a number of motor vehicle accident attorneys sport related requirements.

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 for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify for this, you'll require a CAMS license as well as prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the vehicle. You also need to meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways and roads. You will need to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or the shorter period and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the basis. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

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

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

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Additionally, 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 excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million people.