Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary according to state, there are certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration 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 International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional duties. Documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several people each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix an identification label to each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

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

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, however there are a few commonalities across the country in the process of registering the vehicle and getting a driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor vehicle accident lawsuit sport-related rules and regulations.

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.

You'll need a CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for a car. You will also need to comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, including the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they are required to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and that is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition could differ slightly among states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs used and new dealers and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased a vehicle 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 to fulfill the 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 in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters, and motor vehicle the vehicles of the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million residents.