Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing 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 pertaining to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must also 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 documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

To be legally titled an imported vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each one affix an inscription on each vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern bonham motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles are different from one state to the next, but there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes to registering vehicles and obtaining an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and other equipment, which includes various motor sport related requirements.

If you are importing an automotive 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 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 legitimate need for the vehicle. You must also meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features which make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways and roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they have to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as being subject to an ad valorem rate that ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or operation as well as equipment of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and second-hand dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle-related companies. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

A government mineola motor vehicle Accident Lawsuit vehicle is a vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and utilized to carry out the transport purpose of an agency or operation. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, Vimeo private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, and vehicles owned the commissioners court of an area with more than 1 million residents.