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What To Look For In The Motor Vehicle Case That's Right For You
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are certain similarities across the United States in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their vehicles to the United States without U.S. driver's licenses and license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must ensure they have all the documentation to avoid additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

In order for an imported car to be legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require specifically that vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper regulations and that every automobile be identified by the manufacturer as having met these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these requirements they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state however there are a number of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. 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 requirements.

The first step to import racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is available for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. motor vehicle accident lawyer westland will also have to comply with other requirements for compliance like fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

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

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting people or property that is powered by a source other than muscular power (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming operation and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption 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 oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they purchased a defective new car or 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 utilized to carry out the transport purpose of an agency or business. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. Furthermore, the term is defined 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 police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.

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