공지사항

Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are a few commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws on motor vehicle claim vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must make sure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional duties. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, Motor Vehicle Legal and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents related 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 possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicle litigation vehicles that are less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each such automobile affix an identification label to each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

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

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state however, there are some similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

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

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for a car. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100% based on piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle litigation vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving people or property that is driven by power other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farm business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ among states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle compensation vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized in the performance of an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or Motor Vehicle Legal provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police or firefighters, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in a county that has more than one million residents.