Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there's certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws pertaining to motor vehicles and related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. Written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by several individuals, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary 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. Particularly DOT standards demand that storm lake motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles that are not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each such automobile affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state however there are a number of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. 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 national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes a number of motor sport related regulations.

If you intend to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is only required for cars that are imported for a long time or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You must also satisfy other requirements for compliance, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a race car into the US unless it was race-ready during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Touring 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 automobiles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or the shorter period and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the base. Additionally, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agriculture business and implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition may vary slightly between states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

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