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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there are certain similarities across the United States in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from 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 approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must make sure they have the documents needed to avoid additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual Each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black and white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the standards, they must to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from one state to the next, but there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting an driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

The first step to import race cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only required for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily raced.

You will need a CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports and have a real need for a car. You must also satisfy other requirements to be compliant, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing car into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of entry and has features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or less, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as being subject to an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are shipped with the vehicle imported. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and that is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or operation as well as equipment of husbandry or snow plowing, motor (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. Every state's law may differ from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they bought an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used to fulfill an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. In addition, the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.