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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers While the laws regarding motor vehicles vary by state, there's certain commonalities across the nation in the areas of titling registration fees, taxes and drivers licenses. On LawServer you'll find federal as well as state laws governing motor vehicles as well as other legal Questions & 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. DOT must approve the trip in writing. Vehicles imported by non-residents Non-residents who wish to import their own cars should ensure they have the documentation to avoid additional charges. Documentation consists of the bill-of lading, the certificate of origin and any other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally all documents that pertain to the vehicle must 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 copy of their valid driver's license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork. In order for an imported vehicle to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must be in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular, DOT standards require that motor vehicles not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each vehicle affix an inscription on each vehicle that indicates that it is in compliance with these standards. EPA regulations also require that all vehicles must be compliant with air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wishes to import a car that isn't in compliance with requirements, they will need to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA. Imported Racing Vehicles for Racing The laws governing motor vehicles differ between states, however, there are a lot of commonalities across the country regarding registering vehicles and being licensed to drive. motor vehicle accident attorney santa clarita regulate the safety of drivers, highways and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces standards for cars and other equipment. This includes motor sports-related requirements. The first step in importing a racing car into the United States is to get written approval from DOT. This is for cars which will be imported for the duration of their ownership or if they are being temporarily used in racing. In order to qualify for this, you'll require an CAMS license and proof of your motorsport experience and a legitimate need for the car. You will also have to meet other requirements to be compliant such as fitting child safety restraints and a 17-digit VIN plate. The EPA won't 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 render it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You will need to select the box 7 on the HS-7 form that you will be filling out with customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle passes through customs. Vehicles Imported for Touring Tourists from Central and South American nations that have ratified 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. They must show EPA forms AP3520-1 as well as DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry. Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10% VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax which ranges from 15% to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These taxes and duties apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The presence of the owner of the vehicle is essential. Vehicles Imported For Commercial Purposes The law defines the term “motor vehicle” to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and which is powered by a source other than muscle power. This is true for all vehicles, with the exception for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person with disabilities, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or agricultural business as well as equipment of husbandry or snow plowing, © vehicles that operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The laws of each state may differ slightly from the definition, and any nonexempt vehicle that is deemed to be in compliance with 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 new and used dealers, manufacturers, moving companies and other businesses related to motor vehicles. It also enforces the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased an unreliable vehicle or truck. A government motor vehicle is any vehicle that is acquired by the executive through purchase, forfeiture, excess or commercial lease or GSA fleet leasing, and is used to fulfill the transportation function of an agency or the activity. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. The term also covers any vehicle 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 of an area with more than 1 million people.