공지사항

Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there's certain commonalities across the nation in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates or driver's licenses. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black and white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand that vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be labelled by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing motor vehicle compensation vehicles are different from one state to the next, but there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes to registering vehicles and obtaining the required driving license. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor vehicle case sports-related standards.

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

To be eligible for this, you will require an CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a legitimate need for the vehicle. Additionally, you must satisfy other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US unless the car is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways or roads. You must check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you'll be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles 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 or DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and Motor Vehicle Legal an ad valorem taxes ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as their base. In addition spare parts shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting property or people and that is powered by something other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming enterprise tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ between states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they purchased a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle lawsuit vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to perform the transportation role of an agency or activity. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Additionally, the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of an area with more than 1 million people.