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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle laws differ by state, there's certain similarities across the country in regards to titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you'll find both federal and state laws on pharr motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles, as in addition to related legal questions and answers.

Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. license plates or driver's licenses. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Nonresidents who wish to import their own cars should have them documented to ensure that they don't have to pay additional taxes. This includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by multiple people each signature has to be notarized. A black and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must be accompanied by it. If they don't possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.

In order for an imported vehicle to be legally entitled in the United States, it must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are less than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each such automobile affix an identification label to each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wishes to import a vehicle that does not meet the standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 as well as DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

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

The first step to import racing vehicles to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for vehicles which are imported for the long term or temporarily race-related.

To be eligible for this program, you'll be required to possess a CAMS license as well as prove your past motorsport participation and a legitimate need for the car. You will also need to comply with a range of other compliance requirements, including the use of child restraints points and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is in race configuration at the time of its entry and does not have features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on streets and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.

Touring vehicles imported 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. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and ad valorem taxes ranging from 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as their base. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. The presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property and is driven by power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal mobility devices that are operated by a person who suffers from handicap, (b) farm type tractor used in the operation or farming business as well as equipment 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 among states, and vehicles that are not eligible for exemptions are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility 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 oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased an unreliable new car or truck.

The definition of a government Zebulon Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuit vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore, the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of firefighters or West Sacramento Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm police officers, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court in a county with more than one million residents.