Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States regarding titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as in addition to 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 or driver's licenses. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

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

To allow an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet these requirements then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, as well as several motor sport related regulations.

If you are importing an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or temporarily raced.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll require an CAMS license and prove your past motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the car. You must also meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless the car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features which make it unsafe or incompatible for 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.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or less, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as the basis. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

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

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates dealers who sell second-hand and new cars as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle accident Attorney vehicle related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle accidents vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and motor vehicle accident attorney used in the performance of an agency's or activity's transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of the county of more than 1 million people.