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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor motor Vehicle Accident attorney vehicles vary according to state, there are certain similarities across the country in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws governing motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must make sure they have the documents needed to avoid additional charges. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by multiple people each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be included with it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand that motor vehicle Accident attorney vehicles that are not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every automobile be branded by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import an automobile that does not meet these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state, however, there are some similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as various motor sport related requirements.

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

To be eligible for this, you'll require a CAMS license and demonstrate your previous participation in motorsports and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You must also satisfy other compliance requirements including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import a race car into the US unless the car is race-ready at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways and roads. You will need to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

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

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving people or property and which is propelled by power other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming business, implements 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 among states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates new and used dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought a defective car or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out the transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in an area with more than one million residents.