motor vehicle accident law firms Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there are some commonalities across the country in regards to titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer, you'll find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of the 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. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certification of origin and other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by a number of people each signature must 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 may be used to sign all paperwork.

To be legally titled an imported vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicle accidents vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each one affix the label on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards.

Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import vehicles that do not meet these requirements, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles for Racing

The laws for motor vehicles 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 driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and other equipment, which includes a number of motor vehicle Accident Lawsuits sport related regulations.

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

In order to qualify to be eligible, you'll need to have a CAMS license as well as prove your previous motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. You will also need to satisfy other compliance requirements, including fitment of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or unpractical for use on highways or roads. You must make sure to mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Touring vehicles that are imported to tour

Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT H-7 upon entry.

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

Vehicles Imported for Commercial Purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as any device that is capable of transporting people or property that is powered by something other than muscular power and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person suffering from disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon tracks or motor vehicle accident lawsuits rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. Each state's laws may differ slightly 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 department of the state oversees used and motor vehicle accident lawsuits new dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they bought an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a"government motor" vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase excess, forfeiture commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to carry out an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. Additionally the definition of the word is to include any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million people.