Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

The nationals of the countries that have signed the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by multiple people Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should be attached to it. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.

To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require specifically that vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper requirements, and that each automobile be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import an automobile that does not comply with these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary between states, however, there are a lot of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

If you are planning to import an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or that are temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible for this, you will be required to possess an CAMS license and demonstrate your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. Additionally, you must meet other requirements to be compliant including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads or highways. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle clears customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents, whichever is shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every vehicle that can transport people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming operation, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that qualifies under the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers who sell second-hand and new cars manufacturers, moving companies, and other Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm vehicle related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they purchased a vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency, or business. This encompasses both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers ambulances, Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.