Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers
Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.
The nationals of countries that have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.
Vehicles imported by non-residents
Non-residents wishing to import their own cars must ensure they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional fees. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.
To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must meet 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 producer of each automobile must place an identification label to each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.
EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a nonresident wants to import a car that does not meet the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.
Imported Racing Vehicles to Race
Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state but there are many similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including various motor sport related regulations.
If you are planning to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or temporarily raced.
You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.
The EPA does not grant permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on roads and highways. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.
Vehicles Imported for Touring
Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or the shorter period and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and the HS-7 at the time of entry.
Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included in the import 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 a "
motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by something other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agricultural business and implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly among states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.
The
Motor vehicle accident Attorney vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.
The definition of a"government" motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized in the performance of an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county with more than one million.