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5 Reasons Motor Vehicle Case Is Actually A Great Thing
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

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

Nationals of countries that have adopted 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 be notified in writing of the trip.

Vehicles imported by non-residents

Non-residents wishing to import their own vehicles must make sure they have required documentation to avoid paying additional charges. This documentation includes the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle must also be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black and white photocopy of their valid driver's license or ID card. 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 must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are not older than 25 years conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every vehicle be labelled by the manufacturer to meet these standards.

EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import vehicles that do not meet the standards and is not registered, 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 Racing Vehicles to Race

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to the next, but there are a few commonalities across the nation in the process of registering a vehicle and obtaining an official driving license. motor vehicle accident lawyer tucson regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as various motor sport related requirements.

The first step to import race cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is required for vehicles that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need an CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports and have a real need for a vehicle. You must also meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child safety restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it was race-ready at the time of entry and has features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads or highways. You will need to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be filing with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.

Touring vehicles imported for touring

Motorists traveling to the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may use their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or the shorter period and without needing to get license plates or driver's licenses. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100%, based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts shipped with the imported vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.

Vehicles imported for commercial use

The law defines a "motor vehicle" as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and that is powered by a source other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or agricultural business, as well as implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run only on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition of "motor vehicle" may differ between states, and vehicles that do not qualify for exemption are subject to the registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicles. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to those who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been purchased by the executive through purchase, excess, forfeiture or commercial lease, or GSA fleet leasing, and used to perform the transportation role of an agency or business. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore, the term is defined as any vehicle that is 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, and vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county that has a population greater than 1 million.