10 Motor Vehicle Case Related Projects To Expand Your Creativity
Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers
While laws regarding motor vehicles differ by state, there's certain similarities across the United States in terms of titling, registration fees, taxes, and drivers' licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal Questions & Answers.
Nationals of countries that have ratified 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.
Vehicles imported by non-residents
Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles must ensure they have all required documentation to avoid paying additional fees. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. In addition all documents related to the vehicle need to 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 do not have these, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.
To be legally entitled an imported vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. DOT standards demand particularly that vehicles not older than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper requirements and that every automobile be labeled by the manufacturer as meeting these standards.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles comply with standards for air pollution emission. If a nonresident wants to import an automobile that does not meet the standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the moment of entry to obtain prior approval from EPA.
Imported Vehicles for Racing
Motor vehicle laws differ between states, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation in registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate highway, 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, as well as many motor sports related regulations.
If you intend to import an automobile racing car into the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are imported permanently or temporarily used for racing purposes.
You'll need an CAMS license and proof that you've participated in motorsports and have a genuine desire for a car. Additionally, motor vehicle accident attorney virginia must comply with other requirements for compliance such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.
The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless it is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn't possess any features that render it unsafe or not suitable for use on roads and highways. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form that you'll submit to customs, and submit an EPA letter of approval before the vehicle can be cleared by customs.
Touring vehicles that are imported to tour
Tourists from Central and South American nations that have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their 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 must to show EPA forms such as AP3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.
Imported vehicles used for touring are also subjected to customs duties of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax ranging from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. Additionally spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The presence of the owner is required.
Vehicles imported for commercial purposes
The law defines "motor vehicle" as every vehicle that can transport people or property that is powered by a source other than muscular force and is not limited to (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices operated or driven by a person with a disability; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farm business and implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which are solely driven by tracks or rails; and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The definition may vary slightly between states, and the vehicles that aren't eligible for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.
The motor vehicle department of the state oversees new and second-hand dealers and manufacturers, as well as moving companies and other motor vehicle related companies. It also oversees the state's Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove they bought a vehicle that was defective.
A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to carry out the transportation function of an agency, or business. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. The term also covers any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services through the department of Public Safety. The definition does not include private vehicles of firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles belonging to the commissioners court of a county having more than 1 million.