Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers
Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.
The nationals of countries that have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.
Vehicles imported by nonresidents
Non-residents who want to import their personal cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not have to pay additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. All documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.
To allow an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these standards.
EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these requirements and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.
Imported Race Vehicles
The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state, however there are a number of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. 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 required for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered for racing purposes.
You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a genuine need for a car. Additionally, you must meet other requirements to be compliant like fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.
The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless that car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.
Vehicles Imported for Touring
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 or DOT H-7 upon entry.
Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as with an ad valorem fee that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally, spare parts sent in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. motor vehicle accident law firm tucson of the vehicle must be present in person.
Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes
The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting property or people and that is propelled by power other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition could differ slightly among states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.
The state's motor vehicle division regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they purchased a vehicle or truck.
A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency or operation. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. In addition the definition of the word is as any vehicle that is used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than one million.