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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are some similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you can find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have signed 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 accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is shared by a number of people each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

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

Imported Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. 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 plan to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a genuine desire for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not give you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or impractical to use on roads and highways. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form that you'll be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Touring motor vehicle accident law firm peoria imported for touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or less, without having to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they have to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and ad valorem tax from 15 percent to 100% based on piston displacement using their book value as the basis. Additionally, spare parts sent 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 Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in the operation or farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. Each state's statute may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.


The motor vehicle division of the state governs used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought 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 that is used in the performance of an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, as well as vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.

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