The Best Motor Vehicle Case Methods For Changing Your Life

Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ according to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles 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 Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must ensure that they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional charges. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several individuals each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicle accidents vehicles less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need 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

Motor vehicle laws vary between states, however there are a number of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are 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 motor sport-related standards.

The first step in importing racing cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily race-related.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and have a genuine need for a vehicle. You will also need to meet a number of other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is race-ready during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You will need to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. However, they must to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as their base. In addition spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle accident attorneys (knowing it) vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving property or people and that is driven by power other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farm business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly among states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency, or business. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally the definition of the word is as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million residents.