What To Look For In The Motor Vehicle Case That's Right For You

Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver’s licenses. On LawServer you’ll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicle litigation vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the countries that have accepted 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 non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional charges. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black and white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don’t have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To allow 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 DOT standards demand that motor vehicle legal vehicles that are not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet these standards they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to the next, but there are commonalities across the nation when it comes down to registering the vehicle and getting an official driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are also regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including a number of motor vehicle attorney sport related regulations.

If you are planning to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is only available for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

In order to qualify for this, you will need to have an CAMS license and demonstrate your previous participation in motorsports and a genuine need for the vehicle. Additionally, you must meet other requirements to be compliant including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is racing at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or Motor Vehicle Legal unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the basis. Additionally spare parts that are shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term “motor vehicle” to be any device capable of transporting people or property, and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who has an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicle lawyers vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and used to perform the transportation function of an agency or activity. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. Furthermore the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.