Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are certain similarities across the country in regards to titling, registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional duties. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining 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's license or ID card. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To allow an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles vary from state to another, however there are some universalities across the country when it comes to the registration of the vehicle and getting an driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

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 required for cars that are imported for a long time or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify for this, you will be required to possess a CAMS license and demonstrate your previous participation in motorsports and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You must also satisfy other compliance requirements, including the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways and roads. You must complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as the base. Additionally, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines a "Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in operation or farming business and also implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. Each state's statute may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

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

The definition of a government motor vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used in the performance of an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle belonging to the commissioners court of a county that has a population greater than 1 million.