Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ according to state, there are certain commonalities across the nation in regards to titling, registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional fees. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. In addition the 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 with a black-and-white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require particularly that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper requirements, and that each automobile be identified by the manufacturer as meeting these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car that is not in compliance with the standards, they must to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing egg harbor city motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles differ from one state to another, but there are commonalities across the country in the process of registering an automobile and getting the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. 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.

If you intend to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that will be imported permanently or temporarily entered into racing.

You will need an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements for compliance, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features which make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You will have to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

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 period of one year or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT H-7 upon entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to 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. Additionally spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device capable of transporting people or property that is driven by power other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming operation tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions 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, as well as other businesses that are related to arvin motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transport purpose. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Furthermore the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle used 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, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in an area with more than 1 million inhabitants.