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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

The nationals of 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. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional fees. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several people, each signature needs to be notarized. A black-and-white copy 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.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix an identification label to each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a nonresident wants to import a car that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Vehicles Imported for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state but there are many similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Safety of the driver, highway and vehicle safety are regulated by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as a number of motor sport related requirements.

If you plan to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily entered for racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll need to have an CAMS license and proof of your motorsport experience and a real need for the car. You must also satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless the car is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features which make unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You must complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive their vehicles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT H-7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as their base. In addition spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The car owner must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting property or people and that is driven by power other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming enterprise tools of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Every state's law may differ from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle accident law Firms vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor vehicle accidents" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transport purpose. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. In addition the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by firefighters or police officers, and the vehicles of the commissioners court of the county of more than 1 million people.