motor vehicle accident lawyer Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers
While the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements including fees and taxes and driver’s licenses. On LawServer you can find state and federal laws on motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.
The nationals of the 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. Written approval from DOT is required in advance.
Vehicles imported by non-residents
Non-residents who are planning to import their own vehicles must ensure that they have all the documentation to avoid additional duties. This includes the bill of lading and the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle must be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized with 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.
In order for an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The DOT standards demand specifically that motor vehicles not older than 25 years must conform to safety and bumper requirements, and that each automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying these requirements.
EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the standards, they must to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to get prior approval from EPA.
Imported Race Vehicles
Motor vehicle laws differ between states, however, there are a lot of commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate driver and security of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including many motor sports related requirements.
If you plan to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is only available for cars that are imported permanently or temporarily race-related.
To be eligible for this, you will need to have an CAMS license and demonstrate your motorsport experience and a genuine need for the car. You also need 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 unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You must select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs.
Imported Touring Vehicles
Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are permitted to drive cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they have to show EPA forms the AP 3520-1 form and the DOT HS-7 at the moment of entry.
Imported vehicles for touring are also subjected to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts shipped in the import vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. The owner of the car must be present in the presence of a person.
Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes
The law defines a “motor vehicle” as any device capable of transporting persons or property, and is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal mobility devices operated by a person who has handicap, (b) farm type tractor used for the farming or operation as well as equipment of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks, and (d), all-terrain vehicles. Every state’s law may differ slightly from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that falls within 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 Accident Law Firm vehicle division regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and Motor vehicle Accident law firm other motor vehicle-related businesses. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.
The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease, and used for the purpose of fulfilling an agency’s or organization’s transportation purpose. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. The term also encompasses any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services for the Public Safety Department. The definition excludes private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters ambulances, vehicles, and other vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county with more than one million.