What Is Motor Vehicle Case? How To Utilize It Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are some commonalities across the country in regards to titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of 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. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition, all documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by several individuals each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card should be accompanied by it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally titled the vehicle that is imported must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require particularly that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years of age conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wishes to import a car that isn't in compliance with standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state however, there are a lot of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related rules and regulations.


The first step in importing 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 race-related.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. You must also meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

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

Imported Touring Vehicles

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or less without the need to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100% based on piston displacement. Additionally spare parts shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the car-owner is essential.

motor vehicle accident law firm norwalk Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor used for the operation or farming business and also implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition could differ slightly between states, and the vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemptions are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective.

The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to carry out an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. In addition the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county that has more than one million.