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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must ensure that they have all the documentation to avoid additional fees. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require that motor vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as meeting these requirements.





EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that isn't in compliance with requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of the vehicle and getting an driving license. Highway, driver 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 other equipment, which includes several motor sport related requirements.

The first step in importing race cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily used for racing purposes.

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

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US in the event that the car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or unpractical for use on roads and highways. You must mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports, whichever is shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the base. motor vehicle accident lawsuit vancouver and taxes also apply to spare parts that are included in the imported vehicle. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person with an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly between states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers who sell second-hand and new cars and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle-related companies. 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 any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and utilized to carry out the transport role of an agency or operation. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of firefighters or police officers, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million people.