Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there are certain similarities across the United States in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles should ensure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and 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 by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

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 require, in particular, that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every vehicle be labelled by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the requirements, they will need 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 that govern motor vehicles vary from state to the next, but there are some similarities across the country when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting a driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and other equipment, which includes many motor sports related regulations.

If you plan to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is only required for cars that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible to be eligible, you'll require an CAMS license as well as prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the vehicle. You will also need to satisfy other requirements for compliance, such as fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on roads or highways. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and south lyon motor vehicle accident attorney American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents, whichever is shorter without the need to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 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 the basis. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. The car owner must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "Mount Vernon Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting people or property, and which is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who has disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agricultural business and implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition may vary slightly among states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

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

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to carry out an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.