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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are some similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer, you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as in addition to 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. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional fees. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix an inscription on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Additionally, motor vehicle accident law firm michigan require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle which does not meet the standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are a few similarities across the country in the process of registering the vehicle and getting the required driving license. 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 vehicles and equipment, including various motor sport related regulations.





The first step to import racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing.

To be eligible for this, you will require a CAMS license and proof of your previous participation in motorsports and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US unless it is race-ready 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 select the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles 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 and 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that is deemed to be in compliance with the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers who sell second-hand and new cars, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to fulfill the transportation purpose of an agency or the activity. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million people.