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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are a few similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of 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 wish to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle should 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 documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicle attorneys vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle compensation vehicles differ from one state to another, however there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes to the registration of vehicles and obtaining a driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, as well as a number of motor Motor Vehicle Legal sport related regulations.

If you are importing an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is only required for cars that will be imported permanently or temporarily raced.

In order to qualify for this, you'll require a CAMS license and prove your past motorsport participation and a real need for the car. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways and roads. You will need to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they have to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem rate that ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle case vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in operation or farming business and implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle case vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to perform the transportation purpose of an agency or activity. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county with more than one million.