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. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws pertaining to robinson motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles, as well as related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that 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' permits. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they don't pay additional duty. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to 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 copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, Cape Girardeau Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney vehicles less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

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

Imported Race Vehicles

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, however, there are a lot of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and cape girardeau motor vehicle accident attorney equipment. This includes centralia motor vehicle accident attorney sports-related standards.

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

In order to qualify for this, you will need to have a CAMS license and demonstrate your past motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the car. You must also comply with other requirements for compliance like fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless the car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You will have to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or less, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem taxes ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston using their book value as a base. In addition, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving property or people and that is driven by power other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly among states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each 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 manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they bought a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation function. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Additionally, the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in the county of more than one million residents.