Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, there are some commonalities across the country in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents wishing to import their own cars must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several people Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be attached to it. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

In order for an imported car to be legally registered 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 that are less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle which does not meet the standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, however, there are a lot of commonalities nationally regarding registering 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 cars and equipment, including several motor sport related requirements.

If you plan to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily race-related.

You will need a CAMS licence and to prove that you have participated in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You must also meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and has features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You must make sure to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they are required to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to Customs duty of 40% and dnpaint.co.kr 10 percent VAT, Vimeo.Com as being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. The owner of the car must be present in person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting persons or property, and which is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agricultural business as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition could differ slightly between states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle accident vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies, as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they bought a vehicle or truck.

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 an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of the county of more than 1 million people.