Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers
Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there's certain commonalities across the nation in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes, and
Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.
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 be notified in writing of the trip.
Vehicles imported by non-residents
Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. In addition, 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's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.
In order for an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these standards.
EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet the requirements, they'll have to file 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 differ from state to state but there are many similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes many motor sports related regulations.
If you plan to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily race-related.
In order to qualify for this, you will be required to possess a CAMS license and proof of your previous participation in motorsports and a legitimate need for the car. You must also comply with a range of other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.
The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on streets and highways. You must 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 that are imported to tour
Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by 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. However, they must to show EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.
Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as a base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The owner of the car must be present in person.
Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes
The law defines a "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is propelled using power other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agriculture business, as well as implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition could differ slightly between states, and the vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.
The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms,
motor vehicle accident lawyers and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.
The definition of a government
motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transport function. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of firefighters or police officers, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million residents.