What's The Reason? Motor Vehicle Case Is Everywhere This Year Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer, you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as and related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the countries that have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they don't be subject to additional duties. This includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. 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 meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require, in particular, that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years must conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that every vehicle be branded by the manufacturer to meet these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If motor vehicle accident attorney joliet -resident wants to import a car that isn't in compliance with standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are commonalities across the nation when it comes down to registering a vehicle and obtaining a driving license. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.

The first step to import a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars which are imported for the long term or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. Additionally, you must meet other requirements to be compliant including fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You must complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they must to show EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.


Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem tax which ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The car owner must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property and is driven by power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who has disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or operation and implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Every state's law may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates dealers of second-hand and new vehicles manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they bought a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to perform the transportation function of an agency, or activity. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million inhabitants.