Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their personal cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several individuals each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card should also accompany it. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand specifically that motor vehicle accident (http://web011.dmonster.kr/bbs/board.Php?bo_table=b0501&wr_id=1482465) vehicles that are not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper standards, motor vehicle accident and that each automobile be branded by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of a vehicle and obtaining an driving license. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as a number of motor sport related requirements.

If you are importing an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or temporarily entered into racing.

You will need an CAMS licence and to prove that you've participated in motorsports, motor vehicle accident and have a valid need for a car. You also need to meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways and roads. You must make sure to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee that can range from 15% up to 100% based on piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is powered by something other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agricultural business, as well as implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d), all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly among states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other businesses related to motor vehicle accident law firms vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they purchased a defective new car 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 an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.