10 Unexpected Motor Vehicle Case Tips

Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates or driver's licenses. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must make sure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several individuals, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require particularly that motor vehicle accident - a cool way to improve, vehicles that are not older than 25 years conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as meeting these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, however, there are some commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related standards.

The first step to import racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily used for racing purposes.

To be eligible for this, you will need to have a CAMS license as well as prove your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the vehicle. Additionally, you must meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

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

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to Customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100%, based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. The car owner must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agricultural business, as well as implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d), motor vehicle accident all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor 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 manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they bought a vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency, or operation. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million inhabitants.