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Why Motor Vehicle Case Is Your Next Big Obsession
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there's certain similarities across the country in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

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

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional fees. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally the documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by multiple people Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card must be attached to it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all the documents.

To be legally entitled an import vehicle, it must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each automobile must place an identification label to each vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If motor vehicle accident attorneys pittsburgh wants to import a vehicle that does not meet these requirements, they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are a few universalities across the country when it comes down to registering a vehicle and obtaining 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 standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sports-related standards.

If you are planning to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or temporarily entered into racing.

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll require an CAMS license as well as prove your previous motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the vehicle. You must also satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, such as the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import a race car into the US unless it is race-ready at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways and roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they must to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and 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% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston, using their book value as a base. Additionally, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of transporting people or property that is propelled by power other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ among states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of the state.


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 manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.

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