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What To Look For In The Motor Vehicle Case Which Is Right For You
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle laws vary by state, there are certain commonalities across the nation regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries who 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' licenses. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the documentation to avoid additional duties. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual Each signature must 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 can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.


To allow an imported car to be legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each one affix the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't meet these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, but there are many similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are controlled by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related rules and regulations.

The first step in importing racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that will be imported permanently or that are temporarily entered into racing.

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and have a genuine desire to own a car. motor vehicle accident law firm ogden need to satisfy other compliance requirements such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA will not allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make it unsafe or unpractical for use on roads and highways. You will have to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. However, they have to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based on the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. Personal presence of the owner is required.

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by something other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who has disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agricultural business and implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks, and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition could differ slightly between states, and the vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who can prove that they purchased a vehicle that was defective.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and utilized to carry out the transport purpose of an agency or the activity. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services provided by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle that are owned by the commissioners court of a county with a population greater than 1 million.

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