15 Startling Facts About Motor Vehicle Case You've Never Known

15 Startling Facts About Motor Vehicle Case You've Never Known

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 along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find state and federal laws on motor vehicles, as and related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' licenses. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the documents needed to avoid additional fees. This includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition all documents that pertain to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person, each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required paperwork.



To allow an imported vehicle to be legally titled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards require that vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that every automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as meeting these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't comply with these standards, 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

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to the next, but there are some universalities across the country when it comes down to registering vehicles and obtaining an driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and equipment, including several motor sport related regulations.

The first step in importing racing vehicles into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only required for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or if they are being temporarily used in racing.

You'll require a CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports and have a genuine need for a car. Additionally, you must satisfy a variety of other requirements for compliance, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless the car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways and roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form, and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have ratified the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports, whichever is shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's licenses. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that ranges from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement.  motor vehicle accident law firm irvine  and taxes also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. The owner of the vehicle must be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of moving property or persons and is driven by power other than muscular force (with the exception of (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farm business, implements of husbandry, or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between 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 new and used dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove that they bought an unreliable new car or truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that is acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to perform the transportation function of an agency, or the activity. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. Furthermore the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles that are owned by the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.