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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor motor vehicle legal vehicle laws vary according to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

The nationals of the countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must 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 copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicle settlement vehicles that are less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

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

Imported Race Vehicles

Motor vehicle laws differ between states, but there are many commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the 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 national standards for vehicles and equipment, including various 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 for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily raced.

In order to qualify for this, you'll need to have an CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the car. You must also comply with other requirements for motor vehicle legal compliance including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways or roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they must to show EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax ranging from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the basis. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are sent with the imported auto. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device capable of transporting property or people and that is powered by a source other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Every state's law may differ slightly from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that is deemed to be in compliance with the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle litigation vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor Vehicle lawsuit vehicle-related companies. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to carry out an agency's or activity's transport function. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, ambulances, and vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.