Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

Nationals of countries who have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certification of origin and other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by a number of people each signature must be notarized. A black and Motor Vehicle Legal white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally titled an imported vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand that vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper regulations and that each vehicle be labelled by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't meet these requirements, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, however there are commonalities across the nation in the process of registering an automobile and getting an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. 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 vehicle lawsuit sport related requirements.

The first step in importing racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars that will be imported permanently or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

To be eligible to be eligible, you'll need to have an CAMS license and demonstrate your past 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 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways and roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem tax which ranges from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. These taxes and motor vehicle legal duties 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 "motor vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport property or persons and is propelled by power other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming enterprise, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly between states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of each state.

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

The definition of a government motor vehicle litigation vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.