Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional duties. This documentation 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 person Each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that each vehicle be labelled by the manufacturer to meet these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wants to import a car 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 to Race

The laws governing manville motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles vary from state to the next, but there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of vehicles and obtaining an official driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. 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 sport related regulations.

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 only required for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily raced.

To be eligible for this program, you'll require a CAMS license and proof of your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the vehicle. You must also satisfy other requirements for compliance, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of its entry and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You must mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and 7 upon entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to a 40% 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 a base. In addition spare parts shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and that is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with handicap, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agriculture business, as well as implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition can differ between states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to Farragut Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or business. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Additionally, the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million.