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A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting Your Motor Vehicle Case
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their vehicles to the United States without U.S. license plates and driver's licenses. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who are planning to import their personal vehicles must have them fully documented to ensure that they don't pay additional duty. Documentation includes the bill of lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by a number of people Each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white photocopy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.


To be legally entitled, an imported vehicle must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't 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 Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary between states, 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 is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for vehicles and equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements.

If you are importing an automobile racing vehicle into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or that are temporarily entered into racing.

To be eligible for this, you will need to have an CAMS license as well as prove your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the vehicle. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements for compliance, including the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is racing at the time of its entry and does not have features that render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You must make sure to check Box 7 of the HS-7 form you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle passes through customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or less as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as with an ad valorem fee that ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included along with the vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purpose

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by a source 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 suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or agricultural business as well as equipment of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is deemed to be in compliance with the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates new and used dealers manufacturing companies, moving firms, and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or organization's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic fleets and foreign ones. motor vehicle accident lawsuit fremont covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the Public Safety department. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in a county that has more than 1 million inhabitants.

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