Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there are certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and Vimeo state laws on motor vehicles as well as 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. driver's licenses or license plates. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

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

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place an identification label to each vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

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

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes down to registering an automobile and getting a driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes cheraw motor vehicle accident attorney sports-related requirements.

The first step to import a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that will be permanently imported or that are temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible to be eligible, you'll need to have an CAMS license and proof of your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the vehicle. You will also have to satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical to use on roads and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

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

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who has handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agriculture business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. Each state's statute may differ slightly from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The sikeston motor vehicle accident lawsuit 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 Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to carry out the transportation role of an agency or business. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. Furthermore, the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county having more than one million.