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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some commonalities across the country in terms of titling, registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicle accidents vehicles as and related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars should have them documented to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by a number of people each signature must 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, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicles less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place a label on each such vehicle stating that it satisfies these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import vehicles that do not meet the standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws that govern motor vehicles differ from one state to the next, but there are similarities across the country when it comes to registering vehicles and obtaining an driving license. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways 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 sport-related standards.

The first step to import racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for cars that are imported for a long time or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll require a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and have a genuine need for a car. You must also comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, such as fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow 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 make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents, whichever is shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. However, they have to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100%, based on the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by something other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or operation and implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The laws of each state may differ from the definition and any vehicle that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles. It also manages 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 includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court of the county of more than 1 million residents.