The Top Motor Vehicle Case Gurus Are Doing Three Things

Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of countries that 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 cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by a number of people, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix an identification label to each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that isn't in compliance with requirements, motor Vehicle accident Attorney they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle laws vary from state to state, but there are many similarities across the nation in 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 vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

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

In order to qualify for this program, you'll need to have an CAMS license as well as prove your previous motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You must also comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, including the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on streets and highways. You will need to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who are visiting 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 validity period of their passports or the shorter period and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT H-7 upon entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as the base. In addition spare parts shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the car-owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting people or property that is powered by a source other than muscular force, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on tracks or rails and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

The Motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a defective new car or truck.

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