Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While brady motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are some similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you will find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is shared by multiple 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 don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

In order for 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. DOT standards require, in particular, that motor vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import an automobile that does not meet these requirements they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are some universalities across the country when it comes down to registering a vehicle and obtaining an official driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

The first step in importing racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only required 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 participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. You must also meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

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

Imported Touring Vehicles 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 drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the basis. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is driven by power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agriculture business and also implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and Vimeo.com (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ among states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.

The definition of a government san francisco motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used to carry out an agency's or activity's transport purpose. This encompasses 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 ambulances, private cars of firefighters or police officers, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million residents.