motor vehicle accident law firms Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't pay additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

In order for an imported car to be legally entitled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require specifically that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every vehicle be labeled by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, however, there are some similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Driver, highway and motor vehicle Accident attorney vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including several motor sport related requirements.

The first step to import racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily race-related.

You'll require a CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports and have a real need for a car. Additionally, you must meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not 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 unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and H-7 upon entry.

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

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting property or people and that is powered by a source other than muscular force that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farm business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other related businesses to Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney vehicles. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they bought a vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation role of an agency or the activity. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has a population greater than 1 million.