idabel motor vehicle accident attorney Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there's certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as along with 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. driver's licenses and license plates. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Nonresidents who wish to import their personal vehicles must have them fully documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to 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 may be used to sign all paperwork.

To allow an imported car to be legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly 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 the label on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import an automobile that does not meet the standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

Bay city motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle laws differ from state to state, however, there are some commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, as well as several motor sport related regulations.

If you intend to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is only available for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

To be eligible for this, you'll be required to possess a CAMS license as well as prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the vehicle. You must also satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless it is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways or roads. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or less, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. However, they must to show EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.

Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as their base. Additionally spare parts that are shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any vehicle that can transport property or persons and is powered by a source other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming enterprise or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Every state's law may differ 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 is responsible for regulating dealers of second-hand and new vehicles manufacturers, moving companies, and other richland motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who can prove they purchased a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

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