motor vehicle accident lawyer Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there are certain similarities across the country in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you will find federal and Vimeo state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates or driver's licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all the documents needed to avoid additional fees. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to 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 copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

In order for an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each one affix the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car that isn't in compliance with standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws that govern motor vehicles differ from one state to the next, but there are a few commonalities across the country when it comes to registering an automobile and getting a driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, Vimeo driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes various motor vehicle accident lawyer sport related regulations.

The first step to import racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

To be eligible to be eligible, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and proof of your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the vehicle. You also need to satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a race car into the US unless it is race-ready when it is entered and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You will have to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through customs.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or less and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property and is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agricultural business, as well as implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ in different states, and any vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, Vimeo registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized in the performance of the transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than one million residents.