Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

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

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their personal cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. The documents pertaining 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 do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that little rock motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles that are not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each one affix an identification label to each vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wants to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to the next, but there are commonalities across the country in the process of registering an automobile and getting a driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related standards.

If you intend to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be permanently imported or temporarily entered into racing.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a real need for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy other compliance requirements, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported 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 use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or less without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. However, they are required to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the base. In addition, spare parts sent with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

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

The state's Motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

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