Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While Patchogue Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm - Vimeo.Com, vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all the documents needed to avoid additional charges. Documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle need to 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 copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary 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. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it satisfies these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. 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 get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state, however, there are some similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related standards.

If you are importing an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is only required for cars that will be imported permanently or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

In order to qualify for this, you'll need to have an CAMS license and proof of your past motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. You also need to meet other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import a race car into the US unless the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways and roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

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

Cars imported for purposes of touring 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 the base. Additionally spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and that is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in the operation or farming business, as well as implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new hempstead motor vehicle accident lawsuit dealers, manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

A government palm beach motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle is any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to fulfill the transportation purpose of an agency or operation. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. In addition the definition of the word is as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, ambulances, Patchogue motor vehicle accident law firm and vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.