Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there are certain commonalities across the nation in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as along with related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their personal vehicles must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by several individuals each signature must be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each such automobile affix an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a nonresident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these requirements, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to the next, but there are universalities across the country when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor vehicle accident lawsuit sports-related standards.

The first step to import race cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.

You will need an CAMS licence and to prove that you have participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. You must also satisfy other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features which make unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports, whichever is shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. However, they must to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and motor vehicle accident DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate ranging from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the car-owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting property or persons and is propelled by power other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming enterprise tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle" may differ among states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers of second-hand and new vehicles and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other Virginia Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuit vehicle-related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used in the performance of an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters, ambulances, and vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million.