Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle laws differ according to state, there are certain similarities across the country regarding titling registration fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as related legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries who have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the documents needed to avoid additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to 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 necessary documents.

In order for an imported car to be legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand that motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every automobile be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a car that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

Motor vehicle laws differ between states, however, there are some similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also controlled 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 sports-related rules and regulations.

If you are importing an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars which will be imported for Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney the duration of their ownership or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

You'll need a CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports, and have a valid desire to own a car. Additionally, you must comply with a range of other requirements to be compliant, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is racing at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical to use on roads and highways. You must check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

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

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee that ranges from 15% to 100%, motor vehicle accident attorney based on the piston displacement. Additionally, spare parts sent with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving property or people and that is powered by something other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has disabilities; (b) farm type tractor that is used for the running of a farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

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

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used in the performance of an agency's or activity's transport purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Furthermore the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle belonging to the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.