5 Reasons Motor Vehicle Case Is Actually A Beneficial Thing

Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary by state, there are certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws pertaining to motor vehicles as well as related legal questions & Answers.

The nationals of countries that have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several individuals, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To allow an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require specifically that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that every vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet these requirements, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state but there are many similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including various motor sport related regulations.

If you intend to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that are imported for a long time or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You'll need a CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports, and have a valid desire for a car. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed 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. However, they are required to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as their base. In addition, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting property or people and that is powered by something other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farm business tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle-related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove that they purchased a vehicle or truck.

A government Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is utilized to carry out the transport purpose of an agency or the activity. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. In addition the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million residents.