Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there's certain similarities across the United States in terms of titling, registration, fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as well as 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. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the documentation to avoid additional duties. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is shared by a number of people, firm each signature needs to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be included with it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand specifically that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper regulations and that each vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a nonresident wishes to import vehicles that do not meet the standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, however there are a number of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, firm within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor vehicle accident attorney sports-related standards.

If you are planning to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible for this, you will need to have a CAMS license and proof of your past motorsport participation and a real need for the car. You will also need to satisfy other requirements for compliance, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless that car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You will need to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they have to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are sent with the imported auto. The owner of the vehicle must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting property or persons and is powered by a source other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased a vehicle that was defective.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or the activity. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Furthermore the definition of the word is as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters and vehicles owned the commissioners court in an area with more than 1 million people.