Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you will find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

In order for an imported car to be legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import an automobile that does not meet these requirements and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes down to registering vehicles and obtaining the required 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 vehicles and other equipment, which includes various motor sport related regulations.

If you are importing an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible for this, you will be required to possess a CAMS license and proof of your motorsport experience and a legitimate need for the car. You will also need to satisfy other compliance requirements, including the use of child restraints 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 at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who visit 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 the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem taxes ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of pistons using their book value as their base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is essential.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "wilkes barre motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle" as every device capable of transporting people or property that is powered by something other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming operation or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly among states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The bethalto Motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle division of the state regulates new and Vimeo used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased a vehicle that was defective.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to fulfill an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.