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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are some commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles and related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have signed 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 approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars must make sure they have the documentation to avoid additional fees. This includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain 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 possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't comply with these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are a few universalities across the country when it comes down to 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, as well as a number of motor sport related regulations.

The first step to import race cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars that will be imported permanently or temporarily entered into racing.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. You will also need to satisfy other requirements to be compliant, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is racing during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads and highways. 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 can be cleared by customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

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

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the basis. In addition spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in operation or farming business as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

motor vehicle accident law firm nevada is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency or business. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million people.