Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles vary from state to state, there are similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by a number of people each signature must be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card must be accompanied by it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require specifically that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that each automobile be labelled by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state however there are a number of commonalities nationally 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 national standards for cars and equipment, as well as various atlanta motor vehicle accident lawsuit sport related requirements.

The first step to import racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that are imported for a long time or that are temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify for this, you'll need to have a CAMS license and demonstrate your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. Additionally, you must meet other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import a race car into the US unless the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on roads and motor Vehicle Accident attorney highways. 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.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and HS-7 upon 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 a base. In addition spare parts shipped with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving people or property that is driven by power other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farm business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly in different states, and any vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemptions are subject to the registration, licensing and financial accountability laws of the state.

The foster city motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle division of the state regulates new and second-hand dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and utilized to carry out the transport purpose of an agency or operation. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, ambulances, and vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.