Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary by state, there are certain similarities across the United States in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws pertaining to motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles as well as related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional fees. This documentation includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by a number of people Each signature has to be notarized. A black and motor vehicle accident attorneys white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be attached to it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each one affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it satisfies these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car that isn't in compliance with requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state however, there are some commonalities across the country regarding registering 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 standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

The first step to import racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily race-related.

You'll require a CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. You will also have to meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is racing at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You will need to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle clears customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports, whichever is shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston using their book value as their base. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are shipped with the vehicle imported. Personal presence of the car-owner is necessary.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition may vary slightly among states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle division of the state regulates used and Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to perform the transportation function of an agency or operation. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also covers 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 or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than one million residents.