Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars must ensure they have all the documentation to avoid additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized with a black-and-white copy 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 documents.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require that vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles differ from one state to another, firms however there are a few similarities across the country when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting a driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and other equipment, which includes many motor sports related requirements.

If you intend to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily raced.

You'll need an CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. You must also satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless the car is racing at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or the shorter period without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as the basis. Additionally spare parts shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving property or people and that is powered by something other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person suffering from a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farm business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Every state's law may differ from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that is deemed to be in compliance with the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought a defective car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out the transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the department of Public Safety. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, ambulances, and vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.