5 Reasons Motor Vehicle Case Is Actually A Beneficial Thing Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there are some commonalities across the country regarding titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as along with related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles should have them documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is shared by a number of people Each signature has to be notarized. motor vehicle accident attorney fort smith -and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they don't have these documents a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand specifically that motor vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that each automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the requirements, they'll have to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state, however there are a number of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. 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 cars and other equipment, which includes a number of motor sport related requirements.

If you intend to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate need for a car. You must also satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a race car into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of entry and has features that render it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You will have to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed 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 HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax which ranges from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. In addition spare parts shipped in the import 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 a "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person with an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agriculture business and implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state's laws may differ slightly from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

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


The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to fulfill an agency's or activity's transportation function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in an area with more than 1 million inhabitants.