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Speak "Yes" To These 5 Motor Vehicle Case Tips
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are a few similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their vehicles to the United States without U.S. license plates or driver's licenses. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars should have them documented to ensure that they don't pay additional duty. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by a number of people each signature must be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require, in particular, that motor vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that every vehicle be labelled by the manufacturer as satisfying these standards.


Furthermore, motor vehicle accident attorney fall river require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import an automobile that does not meet the standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as 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 one state to another, however there are commonalities across the nation when it comes to registering the vehicle and getting the required driving license. 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 cars and equipment, as well as a number of motor sport related requirements.

If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or that are temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license as well as prove your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the vehicle. Additionally, you must meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a race car into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or the shorter period without the need to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they must to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as being subject to an ad valorem rate that ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and that is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used for the operation or farming business and also implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state's laws may differ from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new 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 bought a vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both domestic fleets as well as foreign ones. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than one million.

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