motor vehicle accident attorneys Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although the laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are similarities across the country regarding titling, registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver's licenses. Here on LawServer you'll find federal and state laws regarding motor Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms vehicles as well as other legal Questions & Answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. driver's licenses or license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional duties. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. The documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature has to be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they don't have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the required documents.

To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles not more than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each one affix a label on each such vehicle that states that it meets these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that is not in compliance with the standards, they'll need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.

Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing

Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. The safety of drivers, the highway, and vehicle safety are subject to 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 sport-related standards.

The first step in importing racing cars into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered for racing.

In order to qualify for this program, you'll need to have a CAMS license and proof of your previous participation in motorsports and a genuine need for the car. Additionally, you must comply with a range of other requirements for compliance, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US unless it is racing at the time entry and doesn't contain any features that make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways or roads. You will need to check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared.

Imported Touring Vehicles 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 drive their cars in the United States for one year or the validity period of their documents or the shorter period and without needing to get license plates or driver's permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 and 7 upon entry.

Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to 40% Customs duty and 10% VAT, as well with an ad valorem fee that ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally, spare parts sent with the imported vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner is essential.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines "motor vehicle" as every device that is capable of moving people or property that is powered by something other than muscular power that is, excluding (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by an individual with a disability; (b) farm type tractor utilized in the operation of a farming enterprise and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition can differ between states, and vehicles which do not meet the criteria for exemption are subject to licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws of each state.

The state's motor vehicle division regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving companies as well as other businesses that are related to motor vehicle accident law firms (Salonhabitat noted) vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck.

The definition of a government motor vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, Motor vehicle Accident law firms commercial lease or GSA fleet lease that is used to carry out an agency's or activity's transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, and the vehicles of the commissioners court in a county with more than 1 million inhabitants.