Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles and related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars must make sure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary 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, DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wishes to import vehicles that do not meet these requirements, 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.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws for Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits vehicles vary between states, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. 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 importing an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify for this, you will require a CAMS license as well as prove your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the vehicle. You must also comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is racing during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or inadvisable to use on roads and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

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 use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of pistons using their book value as a base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting people or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the operation or farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition can differ 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 accident lawyers vehicle division of the state governs new and second-hand dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they bought a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a 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 function of an agency, or the activity. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.