Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of the countries that 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' licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several individuals, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card must be included with it. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that does not comply with these 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 for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to another, but there are some universalities across the country in the process of registering an automobile and getting a driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. 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 car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily raced.

In order to qualify for this, you'll require an CAMS license and proof of your past motorsport participation and a real need for the vehicle. You will also have to meet other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless the car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways and roads. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. However, they are required to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem tax that ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport people or property and which is powered by something other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to fulfill an agency's or activity's transport purpose. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than one million.