Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ according to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws on Gladstone Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer vehicles as well as related legal questions & Answers.

The nationals of the countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars 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 non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their personal cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by several people each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place an identification label to each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation regarding registration of 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 within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes several motor sport related requirements.

If you plan to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily used for racing purposes.

To be eligible for this program, you'll need to have an CAMS license and proof of your motorsport experience and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You will also have to meet other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is racing when it is entered and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then 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 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 have to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to 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 a base. In addition spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in the operation or farming business, as well as implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Every state's law may differ from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The edcouch motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle division of the state governs dealers of second-hand and new vehicles as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased a vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and used to carry out the transportation role of an agency or business. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. Additionally the definition of the word is to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and vehicles owned the commissioners court of an area with more than 1 million people.