Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional fees. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual Each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle which does not meet the standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are some similarities across the country when it comes down to registering vehicles and obtaining the required driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as several motor sport related requirements.

If you plan to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.

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

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make it unsafe or unpractical for use on roads and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports, whichever is shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee ranging from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is required.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "north syracuse motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle accident attorney (vimeo.com) vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ slightly 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 as well as financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased a vehicle that was defective.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized in the performance of the transportation function. This includes both domestic and motor vehicle accident Attorney foreign ones. Additionally the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.