motor vehicle lawyer vehicle attorney; Read A great deal more, Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle lawsuit vehicle laws vary by state, there's certain commonalities across the nation regarding titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their personal cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black and white photocopy of their valid 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 must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't meet these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary between states, however there are a number of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

The first step in importing racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars that will be permanently imported or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You will need an CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. Additionally, motor vehicle attorney you must meet a number of other requirements for compliance, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on roads and highways. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles 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 present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

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

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is powered by a source other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in the operation or farming business and also implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle division 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 consumers who prove that they bought a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor vehicle attorney" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out an agency's or motor vehicle attorney activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also encompasses 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 vehicles of police or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in the county of more than one million residents.