Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some commonalities across the country regarding titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicle law vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of the 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. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars should ensure they have the documentation to avoid additional duties. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature must be notarized and motor Vehicle Legal accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicle attorney vehicles that are not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place a label on each such vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet the requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle settlement vehicles differ from state to state however, there are some similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. 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 a racing car to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll be required to possess a CAMS license and proof of your previous participation in motorsports and a legitimate need for the car. Additionally, you must satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways or roads. You will have to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they have to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as 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 who has handicap, (b) farm type tractor used for the operation or farming business and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and Motor Vehicle Legal tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition can differ between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle claim vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, and vehicles owned the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million people.