Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, there are certain similarities across the country regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicle attorney vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they don't pay additional duty. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. 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 copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

To allow an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require, in particular, that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that every vehicle be labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

motor vehicle lawyer vehicle laws vary from state to state, however there are a number of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are also controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, as well as many motor sports related requirements.

If you are importing an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are being permanently imported or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports, and Motor Vehicle Legal have a valid desire to own a car. You will also have to comply with other requirements for compliance like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make it unsafe or not suitable for use on roads and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted 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 or shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. However, they are required to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee which ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. Personal presence of the car-owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle case vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and that is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agricultural business and also implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees dealers of second-hand and new vehicles manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

A government motor Motor Vehicle Legal vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation purpose of an agency or operation. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, ambulances, and vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million.