Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle accident vehicle laws differ from state to state, there are some commonalities across the country in the areas of titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer, you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries who have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the documents needed to avoid additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicles less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each such automobile affix an identification label to each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

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

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to another, but there are some commonalities across the nation in the process of registering vehicles and obtaining the required driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including various motor sport related regulations.

If you are planning 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 will be permanently imported or temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and demonstrate your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the vehicle. You also need to meet other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT 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 from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the basis. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm property and which 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 who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming operation tools of husbandry, or Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly among states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

The definition of a"government" Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used in the performance of the transportation purpose. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by 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 the county of more than 1 million inhabitants.