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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Nonresidents who wish to import their own cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized with a black-and-white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

In order for an imported car to be legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to another, however there are commonalities across the country when it comes to the registration of the vehicle and getting an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for Motor Vehicle Legal cars and equipment. This includes motor vehicle attorneys sport-related standards.

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

You'll require an CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. Additionally, you must satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of entry and has features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You will have to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or less and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax which ranges from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. In addition spare parts that are shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device capable of transporting people or property and which is driven by power other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming enterprise or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

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

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, and Motor Vehicle Legal vehicles owned the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million residents.