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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws regarding motor vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must ensure that they have all the documents needed to avoid additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents related to the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several individuals Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be included with it. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must conform to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age 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.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import an automobile that does not meet these requirements, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, however there are a number of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.

The first step in importing race cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily entered for racing purposes.

You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and have a real desire to own a car. Additionally, you must meet other requirements to be compliant 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 the car is racing at the time of entry and does not contain any features that make unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Vehicles for Touring

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year or the validity of their documents. motor vehicle accident attorneys maine must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts that are included in the imported vehicle. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any machine capable of transporting persons or property, and that is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles that run on all-terrain surfaces. The definition may vary slightly between states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees dealers of second-hand and new vehicles manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased an unreliable 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 used to carry out the transportation function of an agency, or business. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters and the vehicles of the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.

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