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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers While laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers' licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws pertaining to motor vehicles, as well as related legal questions & Answers. Nationals of countries who have signed 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 accept the trip in writing. motor vehicle accident law firm lake forest Imported by Nonresidents Non-residents who want to import their cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is jointly owned by several people each signature must be notarized. A black-and white copy of the driver's license or ID card must also accompany it. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents. To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand specifically that vehicles not older than 25 years of age conform to safety and bumper requirements and that each vehicle be identified by the manufacturer as satisfying these standards. Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles comply with air pollution emissions standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car which does not meet the requirements, they will need to file EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA. Imported Race Vehicles for Racing The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to another, but there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes to registering vehicles and obtaining an driving license. Highway, driver and vehicle safety are also subject to federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sport-related requirements. The first step to import racing cars to the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars that will be imported permanently or temporarily entered into racing. You'll need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a real desire for a car. You must also meet a number of other requirements for compliance, such as the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates. The EPA won't allow you to import race cars into the US unless it is racing at the time of entry and does not have any features that would make it unsafe or not suitable for use on highways or roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and provide an EPA letter prior to when the vehicle is cleared. Imported Vehicles for touring Motorists who are visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their cars in the United States for one year or the validity period of their passports or shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver's permits. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT H-7 upon entry. Automobiles imported for tourism purposes are also subject to 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT, and ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on the displacement of the piston using their book value as the basis. In addition, spare parts sent along with the vehicle are also subject to these duties and taxes. Personal presence of the owner is essential. Vehicles imported for commercial use The law defines “motor vehicle” as every vehicle that can transport property or persons and is powered by a source other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractors used in the operation of a farming enterprise and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; © vehicles which run solely on rails or tracks or tracks; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ from the definition and any vehicle that is not exempt that falls within the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing, registration, and financial responsibility laws. The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other related businesses to motor vehicles. It also administers state Lemon Law which offers relief to customers who prove they bought a vehicle that was defective. A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been acquired 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 activity. This encompasses both foreign and domestic fleets. Additionally the definition of the word is to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety when responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes private vehicles used by police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle that belong to the commissioners' court of a county having more than 1 million.