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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

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





Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own cars should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional charges. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading the certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is shared by a number of people each signature must be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand particularly that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that each vehicle be identified by the manufacturer to meet these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident 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 get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ between states, however there are a number of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

If you are planning to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and have a real need for a car. motor vehicle accident attorneys yakima will also need to meet a number of other compliance requirements, including the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless that car is race-ready at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways and roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or the shorter period without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100% based on piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property and which is powered by something other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming enterprise, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ slightly 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 state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used in the performance of an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters, ambulances, and vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county that has more than one million.