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How To Choose The Right Motor Vehicle Case On The Internet
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers


While motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, there are certain commonalities across the nation in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

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

motor vehicle accident law firm port st lucie Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars must ensure that they are fully documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. 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 shared by several individuals each signature has to be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be attached to it. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to the safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be labelled by the manufacturer to meet these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import a car which does not meet the requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are similarities across the country when it comes to the registration of a vehicle and obtaining an official driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related standards.

If you are importing an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that will be permanently imported or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a real need for a vehicle. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements for compliance, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is race-ready during its entry and lacks features that render it unsafe or unsuitable to use on roads and highways. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

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 are required to present EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. In addition spare parts that are shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving people or property and which is powered by a source other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person who has a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming enterprise, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly among states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial accountability laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates dealers who sell second-hand and new cars and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they purchased a vehicle or truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that was acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency or operation. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Additionally the term 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 ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than one million residents.

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