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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers
While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are some commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.
Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.
Vehicles imported by non-residents
Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must ensure they have all the documentation to avoid additional fees. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several people Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be attached to it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.
In order for an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.
Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that isn't in compliance with standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.
Imported Race Vehicles
Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, however, there are a lot of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.
The first step in importing racing cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.
You will need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and have a genuine desire for a car. You must also satisfy other requirements for compliance, such as fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.
The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways or roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.
Imported Vehicles for touring
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 cars in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or less as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.
Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as their base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are sent with the imported auto. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is essential.
Vehicles imported for commercial use
The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation and also implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.
The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased a vehicle that was defective.
motor vehicle accident law firm murfreesboro of a"government" motor vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than one million.