motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle accident law firm (Recommended Browsing) Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are some commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their cars should have them documented to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. This includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by multiple people, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be attached to it. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require specifically that vehicles not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle which does not meet the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state, but there are many similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sports-related standards.

The first step in importing a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

In order to qualify for this, you'll be required to possess a CAMS license and prove your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. Additionally, you must meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles 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 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% 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 a base. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts included in the imported vehicle. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person with an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used for the operation or farming business and implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly in different states, and any vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle division of the state 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 customers who prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the department of Public Safety. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, ambulances, and vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.