Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few 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 countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

In order for an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand particularly that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every vehicle be branded by the manufacturer as meeting these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that does not meet the requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are some universalities across the country when it comes to registering an automobile and getting a driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes various motor sport related regulations.

If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily race-related.

In order to qualify for this, you will be required to possess an CAMS license as well as prove your previous participation in motorsports and a genuine need for the vehicle. You also need to meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

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

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on piston displacement using their book value as their base. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agricultural business and implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks or tracks, motor vehicle accident attorneys and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs dealers of second-hand and new vehicles manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle accidents vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and Motor vehicle accident attorneys utilized for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transport function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Additionally, the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million.