Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you will find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles, as well as related legal questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must make sure they have the documentation to avoid additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, 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 can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle stating 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 an automobile that does not meet the standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

Motor vehicle laws vary between states, however there are a number of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as several motor sport related regulations.

If you are planning to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that are imported for a long time or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll need a CAMS licence and to prove that you have participated in motorsports and have a real need for a vehicle. You must also meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on streets and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or less and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. However, they are required to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based on piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. Personal presence of the car-owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is driven by power other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with handicap, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the operation or farming business as well as equipment of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition of "motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle" may differ between states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

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

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 utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency or operation. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than one million.