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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there are certain commonalities across the nation in regards to titling, registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by multiple people each signature must be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally entitled motor vehicle accident law firm rialto , it must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wishes to import a car that does not meet the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes to registering a vehicle and obtaining an driving license. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

If you plan to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is only required for cars that will be imported permanently or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

You'll need an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US unless that car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or less as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as their base. In addition, spare parts sent with the imported automobile are also subject to these taxes and duties. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who has disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or operation and implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.





The motor vehicle division of the state regulates dealers who sell second-hand and new cars and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased a defective 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 used to perform the transportation role of an agency or the activity. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.