Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally 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 photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the 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. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix an identification label to each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't comply with these standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing talladega motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are some commonalities across the country in the process of registering an automobile and getting an official driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. 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 standards.

The first step in importing a racing car to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be permanently imported or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. Additionally, you must meet other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports, whichever is shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as the base. In addition spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting people or property 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 disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

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

The definition of a government milwaukee motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. In addition, the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters and the vehicles of the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million residents.