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Are Motor Vehicle Case As Important As Everyone Says?
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ 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 both federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must approve the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal cars should have them documented to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. This documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents covering the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature has to 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 paperwork.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards require particularly that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years must conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be labeled by the manufacturer as meeting these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must meet the standards for air pollution emissions. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are a few commonalities across the nation when it comes to registering the vehicle and getting the required driving license. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related standards.

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


To be eligible for this program, you'll be required to possess an CAMS license and demonstrate your motorsport experience and a real need for the car. You must also satisfy other requirements for compliance, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import a race car into the US unless that car is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways or roads. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or shorter, without having to obtain license plates or driver's licenses. motor vehicle accident attorneys pleasanton must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT H-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee ranging from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts that are shipped along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving property or persons and is propelled by power other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming enterprise and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used to fulfill the transportation function. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police officers or firefighters and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county with more than one million residents.

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