Learn About Motor Vehicle Case While Working From At Home Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are some similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the 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 accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars should ensure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional charges. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual 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 the paperwork.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to another, however there are some universalities across the country when it comes to registering the vehicle and getting an official driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. 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 requirements.

If you are planning to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is only available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll require an CAMS licence and to prove that you have participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. Additionally, you must comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US unless it is racing at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways or roads. You must complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

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 period of validity of their documents, whichever is shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT, and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of pistons using their book value as a base. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are shipped with the vehicle imported. Personal presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting people or property, and is driven by power other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has a disability, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agricultural business, as well as implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition could differ slightly among states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state governs dealers who sell second-hand and new cars as well as manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they bought an unreliable new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency, or activity. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Furthermore motor vehicle accident lawsuit vista is defined as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters and the vehicles of the commissioners court in an area with more than 1 million residents.