Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

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

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the standards, they must to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle Accident Attorneys vehicles vary from state to another, but there are universalities across the country when it comes down to registering a vehicle and obtaining the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, as well as various motor vehicle accident attorney sport related requirements.

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 available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need an CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for a vehicle. You must also comply with a range of other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is racing at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You will have 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 passes through customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or less without the need to obtain license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

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

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport property or persons and is powered by something other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming operation tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that qualifies under the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle department of the state oversees used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove they bought a vehicle that was defective.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to carry out the transportation role of an agency or business. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore, 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 private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.