motor vehicle accident Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary by state, there's certain similarities across the United States regarding titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer, you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that 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. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the documentation to avoid additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles that are not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and motor vehicle accident attorneys that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

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

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ between states, but there are many commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys sports-related rules and regulations.

If you plan to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

You'll require a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a genuine need for a car. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including 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 incompatible for use on highways and roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists traveling to 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 cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are included in the imported vehicle. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every vehicle that can transport property or persons and is powered by something other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farm business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers of second-hand and new vehicles as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.