Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there are some commonalities across the country in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you can find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the documentation to avoid additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain 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 photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each such automobile affix an inscription on 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 vehicle which does not meet 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 to Race

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from one state to the next, but there are universalities across the country when it comes to the registration of vehicles and obtaining an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

The first step in importing race cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a genuine need for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy other requirements for compliance, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads or highways. You must make sure to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists visiting 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 validity period of their documents, whichever is shorter without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and H-7 upon entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the base. Additionally, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property and is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or operation and also implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition of "camden motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle" may differ in different states, and any vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government seminole motor vehicle accident lawsuit" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used in the performance of the transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Additionally the definition of the word is as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in an area with more than one million residents.