Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several individuals, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

In order for an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws for katy motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles vary from state to state however there are a number of commonalities nationally 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 sports-related rules and regulations.

If you intend to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that are imported for a long time or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license as well as prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the car. Additionally, you must satisfy other requirements to be compliant, such as fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not allow you to import a race car into the US unless it 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 complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

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 use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as the basis. Additionally spare parts that are shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving property or persons and 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 a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The Salem Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer vehicle division of the state regulates new and second-hand dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they bought an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used to carry out an agency's or activity's transport purpose. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, and vehicles owned the commissioners court of an area with more than 1 million inhabitants.