공지사항

Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there's certain similarities across the United States in regards to titling, registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by multiple people, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should also accompany it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

In order for an imported car to be legally registered in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require that vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be branded by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws that govern motor vehicle legal vehicles are different from one state to the next, but there are a few universalities across the country when it comes to the registration of vehicles and obtaining the required driving license. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. 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 vehicle law sports-related standards.

The first step in importing racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify for this, you will require a CAMS license as well as prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the vehicle. You must also satisfy other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of its entry and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You must make sure to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the 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 show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle legal vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, Motor Vehicle Legal except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used for the operation or farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly between states, and the vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

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

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or operation. This encompasses both foreign and Motor Vehicle Legal domestic fleets. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters, ambulances, and vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.