Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there are certain commonalities across the nation regarding titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws governing westmont motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To allow an imported car to be legally entitled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each such automobile affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a car which does not meet the standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing Fulton Motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles differ from state to state, but there are many similarities across the nation regarding registration of 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 national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes various motor sport related regulations.

If you intend to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is only required for cars that will be permanently imported or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require a CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and have a real need for a car. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads or highways. You must complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents, whichever is shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. However, they are required to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped in the import 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 use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who has handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition could differ slightly among states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemptions are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates dealers of second-hand and new vehicles, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used in the performance of the transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally the definition of the word is to include any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.