Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that have signed 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 accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must make sure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional fees. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black and white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicles less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each one affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that does not meet the requirements, they'll have to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state however, there are some similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. 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 various motor sport related requirements.

If you are planning to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily race-related.

To be eligible for this program, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and proof of your previous motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the vehicle. Additionally, you must satisfy other compliance requirements like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a race car into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or impractical to use on roads and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Touring 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 use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents, whichever is shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the basis. Additionally spare parts included with the imported automobile are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving property or persons and is powered by something other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming enterprise and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly between states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle accidents vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective.

The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to fulfill the transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. In addition the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court in an area with more than 1 million people.