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Why Motor Vehicle Case Is More Dangerous Than You Realized
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. On LawServer, you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must ensure that they have all the documents needed to avoid additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle must 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 copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the paperwork.

To allow an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards require that motor vehicles less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wants to import vehicles that do not meet the standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, however there are some similarities across the country in the process of registering vehicles and obtaining an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including a number of motor sport related regulations.

The first step in importing racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are being permanently imported or temporarily race-related.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire to own a car. You must also satisfy other requirements for compliance, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You must complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified 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. However, they are required to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

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


The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers, manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they bought a defective new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and used to perform the transportation purpose of an agency or business. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. In motor vehicle accident law firm sparks is defined to encompass any vehicle used by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.

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