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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 nation in titling requirements, registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws on motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading the certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several individuals, each signature needs 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, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require particularly that motor vehicles not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper standards and that every automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards they must file 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 Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however, there are some commonalities across the country regarding registering 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 standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

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

You'll need an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire to own a car. You will also have to meet other requirements to be compliant including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is racing at the time of its entry and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You must mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that 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 handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agricultural business and implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition may vary slightly in different states, and any vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing 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, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle related companies. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency or operation. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets.  motor vehicle accident attorney santa rosa  encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.