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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are some similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find both the federal and state laws governing motor vehicle litigation vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by multiple people, each signature needs to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be accompanied by it. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly the DOT standards, motor vehicle claim 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 stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle which does not meet the standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicle litigation vehicles differ from state to state however there are a number of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and Motor Vehicle Legal security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, as well as many motor sports related regulations.

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

In order to qualify for this, you'll need to have an CAMS license and demonstrate your previous motorsport participation and Motor Vehicle Legal a legitimate need for the vehicle. You will also need to satisfy other requirements for compliance, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless the car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You must make sure to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they are required to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-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 a base. Additionally spare parts included with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation and implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition could differ slightly in different states, and any vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees used and new dealers as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency, or operation. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. In addition the term is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county that has a population greater than 1 million.