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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there are some commonalities across the country regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries who have ratified 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 authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is shared by multiple people each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

In order for an imported car to be legally entitled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each such automobile affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wishes to import a car which does not meet the standards, they must to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle accident attorney (how you can help) vehicles vary from state to another, but there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes down to registering vehicles and obtaining an driving license. 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 a number of motor sport related regulations.

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

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy other requirements for compliance, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US in the event that the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or less as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of pistons using their book value as a base. In addition spare parts shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agriculture business and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. Each state's laws may differ slightly 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 motor vehicle department of the state oversees dealers who sell second-hand and new cars manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to perform the transportation function of an agency, or operation. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. Additionally the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized 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, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than one million.