Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ according to state, there are certain commonalities across the nation regarding titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must ensure they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional fees. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. Additionally all documents related 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 photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require specifically that vehicles not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper standards, and that each automobile be branded by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle Case vehicles differ between states, but there are many similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are controlled 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 vehicle legal 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 only required for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily raced.

You'll need a CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports and have a genuine desire for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy other requirements to be compliant, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for Motor Vehicle Legal a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT 7 upon entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the basis. Additionally spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and Motor Vehicle Legal duties. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle law vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting people or property and which is driven by power other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming operation, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle legal vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used to carry out an agency's or activity's transport function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in an area with more than one million residents.