Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have signed 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 be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to 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 valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

In order for an imported car to be legally registered in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a car that does not meet the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, as well as a number of motor sport related requirements.

If you plan to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is available for cars that are being permanently imported or attorneys temporarily entered for racing purposes.

In order to qualify for this, you'll need to have an CAMS license as well as prove your previous participation in motorsports and a genuine need for the car. Additionally, you must meet other requirements to be compliant like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing car into the US unless it was race-ready when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on streets and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported 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 cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on piston displacement using their book value as the basis. In addition spare parts that are shipped along with the 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 "eustis motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving people or property that is powered by something other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming enterprise or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ in different states, and any vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees dealers who sell second-hand and new cars as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to carry out an agency's or activity's transportation function. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of the county of more than 1 million residents.