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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there's certain similarities across the United States regarding titling registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. 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 includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. In addition, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To allow an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicles less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws that govern motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are commonalities across the nation when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting an driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes various motor sport related regulations.

The first step in importing racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered for racing.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You also need to meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is racing at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical to use on roads and highways. You will have to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you'll be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists visiting 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 period of validity of their passports or the shorter period as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. However, they are required to show EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of pistons using their book value as their base. Additionally spare parts included with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property and which is driven by power other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person suffering from a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming operation tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers of second-hand and new vehicles and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they bought a defective new car or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. In addition the definition of the word is to include any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.