8 Tips To Boost Your Motor Vehicle Case Game Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are certain similarities across the country regarding titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified the 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 cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not pay additional duty. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally titled an import vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix an identification label to each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.


EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are similarities across the country when it comes to the registration of vehicles and obtaining a driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. motor vehicle accident attorney west virginia includes motor sport-related requirements.

The first step in importing a racing car to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible for this, you will need to have a CAMS license and prove your motorsport experience and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You also need to meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it was race-ready during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on streets and highways. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Vehicles for touring

Motorists visiting 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 documents, whichever is shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for use in touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on piston displacement using their book value as the base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and that is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the operation or farming business, as well as implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

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

The definition 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 to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. 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 of police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than 1 million.