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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver's licenses. On LawServer you will find federal and state laws on motor vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.

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

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents who want to import their own cars must ensure they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional taxes. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certification of origin and other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual, each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To allow an imported car to be legally titled in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these requirements.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet air pollution emissions standards. If a nonresident wants to import a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards and is not registered, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from one state to the next, but there are some universalities across the country when it comes down to registering an automobile and getting an driving license. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are also enforced by federal laws. 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 standards.

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

You will need a CAMS license and proof that you have participated in motorsports, and have a valid need for a vehicle. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements to be compliant, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA does not permit you to import a race car into the US in the event that the car is racing at the time entry and doesn't have any features that would make it unsafe or incompatible for use on roads and highways. You will have to select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles for Touring

Motorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT HS-7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on piston displacement. Additionally, spare parts sent in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes

The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with a disability, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agriculture business as well as equipment of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state's statute may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that qualifies under the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle department of the state oversees new and second-hand dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government barrington motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle is any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency or activity. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county having a population greater than 1 million.