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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers
While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements, fees and taxes, and driver's licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles, as well as 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' permits. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.
Vehicles imported by non-residents
Non-residents who are planning to import their own cars must document their vehicles to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, and any other legal documents covering the vehicle. All documents that pertain to 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 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 necessary paperwork.
To allow an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old adhere to safety and bumper standards and that the manufacturer of each one affix an identification label to each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.
Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the standards, they must to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.
Imported Vehicles for Racing
Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, but there are many similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements.
If you intend to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is for cars that will be permanently imported or temporarily entered into racing.
You'll require an CAMS licence and to prove that you have competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for a vehicle. You will also have to comply with other requirements for compliance including fitting child restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate.
The EPA will not grant you permission to import a race car into the US unless it is in race configuration when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or impractical for use on roads or highways. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and submit an EPA letter before the vehicle is cleared.
Imported Vehicles for Touring
Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have accepted the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their automobiles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their documents or shorter and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.
Vehicles imported for touring purposes are also subject to a 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax of 15% to 100% depending on the displacement of the piston using their book value as their base. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts supplied with the imported automobile. Personal presence of the owner is essential.
Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes
The law defines the term "motor vehicle" to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or operation, as well as implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles that are all-terrain. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that qualifies under the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.
The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies and other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased a defective car or truck.
The definition of a"government motor" vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch via purchase, excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized for the purpose of fulfilling an agency's or activity's transport purpose. motor vehicle accident attorney sioux city includes both domestic and foreign fleets. Additionally the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police officers or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than one million residents.