Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are a few commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws pertaining to motor vehicles as well as other legal questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars should have them documented to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned 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 documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years conform to the safety and bumper requirements, and that each automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as having met these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards, they must to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver 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 many motor sports related regulations.

The first step to import racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.

In order to qualify for this, you'll require an CAMS license and proof of your previous participation in motorsports and a genuine need for the car. You must also meet a number of other requirements to be compliant, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it was race-ready when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads and highways. You must select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or the shorter period and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. However, they must to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of pistons using their book value as the basis. Additionally spare parts included with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person suffering from a disability; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle lawyer vehicle" may differ between states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The state's motor vehicle litigation vehicle division regulates new and used dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor vehicle lawyer vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or motor vehicle legal truck.

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