Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there's certain similarities across the United States in regards to titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as along with related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified 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 Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several people each signature must be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card must be included with it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that suisun city motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles that are less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle which does not meet the standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state, 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 vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

If you are planning to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing.

To be eligible to be eligible, you'll require an CAMS license and demonstrate your previous motorsport participation and a legitimate 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 will not give you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it is race-ready when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on streets and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

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

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as their base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "miramar motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle" as every device capable of transporting property or people and that is powered by something other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming operation and 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 of "motor vehicle" may differ among states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

A government kingston motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, Suisun City Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuit or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency or business. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Furthermore, the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million people.