Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there are certain similarities across the country in terms of titling, registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws governing motor vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must make sure they have the documents needed to avoid additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents pertaining 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 photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all 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. The DOT standards require that vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper regulations and that each vehicle be labeled by the manufacturer as meeting these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet these standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing pueblo motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles vary from state to the next, but there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes down to registering vehicles and obtaining the required driving license. 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 cars and equipment, as well as many motor sports related regulations.

The first step in importing racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, such as the use of child restraints points 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 racing at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways and roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported 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. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee that can range from 15% up to 100%, based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting property or people and that is powered by something other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks or tracks; and Vimeo (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly in different states, and any vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates dealers of second-hand and new vehicles, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase, excess, Vimeo forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.