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5 Motor Vehicle Case Projects For Any Budget
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

Nationals from countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must make sure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional fees. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is shared by several individuals Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card should be included with it. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally titled, an imported vehicle must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each one affix the label on each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

Furthermore, 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 and DOT 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 some similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including many motor sports related regulations.

If you are planning to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles which are imported for the long term or temporarily entered for racing.

In motor vehicle accident lawsuit centennial to qualify for this program, you'll require a CAMS license and demonstrate your motorsport experience and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You must also satisfy other requirements for compliance, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not allow you to import a race car into the US unless the car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features which make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways and roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT 7 upon entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as their base. Additionally, spare parts sent in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device capable of transporting property or persons and is driven by power other than muscular power (with the exception of (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 business, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ between states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they bought an unreliable new car or truck.


The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. In addition the term is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of firefighters or police officers, and vehicles owned the commissioners court in an area with more than 1 million people.

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