Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several people, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should also accompany it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require that alpharetta motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile be branded by the manufacturer as meeting these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wishes 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 time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from one state to another, however there are some similarities across the country when it comes to registering an automobile and getting the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

If you are importing an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain 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.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. You will also need to satisfy other requirements to be compliant, such as 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 the car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You will need to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted 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 without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and H-7 upon entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the base. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ slightly from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove they bought a defective car or truck.

A government portales motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and used to carry out the transportation function of an agency or operation. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county that has a population greater than 1 million.