dallas motor vehicle accident law firm Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

While motor vehicle accident Attorney vehicle laws differ by state, there are certain similarities across the country regarding titling registration and fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find both state and federal laws on motor vehicles as and related legal questions and answers.

Nationals of countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can drive their cars into the United States without U.S. license plates or driver's licenses. A written approval from DOT is required in advance.

Vehicles Imported by Nonresidents

Non-residents who want to import their personal vehicles should have them documented to ensure that they do not be subject to additional duties. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin, and any other legal documents related to the vehicle. All documents pertaining the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one individual Each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white photocopy of their current driver's license or ID card. If they do not possess these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary paperwork.

To be legally titled an imported vehicle, it must comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. Particularly DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place the label on each vehicle that states that it meets these requirements.

EPA regulations also require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import an automobile that does not meet these standards then they must submit EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Race Vehicles

Motor vehicle laws differ from state to state, but there are many commonalities nationally regarding registering vehicles and motor vehicle accident attorney 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 national standards for cars and equipment, including a number of motor sport related requirements.

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

You'll require an CAMS license and proof that you've competed in motorsports and that you have a legitimate desire to own a car. You will also need to satisfy a variety of other compliance requirements, including the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.

The EPA won't grant you permission to import a race vehicle into the US unless it is racing during its entry and lacks features that make it unsafe or inadvisable for use on streets and highways. You must select box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.

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 automobiles in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a period of one year or the validity of their documents. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 and DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.

Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to 40% Customs duty and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate which ranges from 15% to 100% based on the piston displacement. In addition spare parts included in the import vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. The car owner must be present in the presence of a person.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle" to be any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is propelled using power other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has disabilities, (b) farm type tractor used in operation or farming business and implements of snow plowing or husbandry, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state's statute may differ slightly from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state's licensing and registration requirements, Motor Vehicle Accident attorney as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state is responsible for regulating dealers who sell second-hand and new cars, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also manages the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove they purchased a vehicle that was defective or a truck.

A government motor vehicle is a vehicle that has been acquired by the executive through the purchase, forfeiture, or excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing and used to perform the transportation role of an agency or activity. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. It also includes any vehicle used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes private vehicles used by firefighters or police officers, ambulances, and vehicles that belong to the commissioners' court of a county having more than 1 million.