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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there are certain similarities across the United States in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as and 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 and driver's licenses. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they don't incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must 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 documents.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the standards, they'll need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are some similarities across the country when it comes down to registering vehicles and obtaining an driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and other equipment, which includes various motor sport related requirements.

If you are importing cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are being permanently imported or temporarily entered for racing.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll require a CAMS license as well as prove your motorsport experience and a real need for the car. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements to be compliant, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US unless that car is race-ready at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or incompatible for use on roads and highways. You must make sure to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle clears customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Motorists traveling to 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 validity period of their documents or the shorter period, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to present EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

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

Vehicles imported for commercial use


The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property and is propelled using power 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 with a disability, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agricultural business, as well as implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition may vary slightly in different states, and any vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of each state.

motor vehicle accident lawsuit santa barbara used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out the transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety department. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million.

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