Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several individuals each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

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

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car that does not meet the standards, they must 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 scappoose motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles differ between states, however, there are some commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. 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 sports-related standards.

If you are planning to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify for this, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and proof of your past motorsport participation and a real need for the vehicle. You must also satisfy a variety of other requirements to be compliant, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

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

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT H-7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to Customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The car owner must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property and is driven by power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or operation as well as equipment of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition could differ slightly between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to Selah motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" cheviot motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized in the performance of an agency's or activity's transport purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Furthermore the definition of the word is to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million people.