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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and AnswersWhile laws regarding motor vehicles differ from state to state, there are some similarities across the nation in titling requirements, registration requirements as well as taxes and fees, and driver’s licenses. Here on LawServer you can find federal and state laws governing motor vehicles and related legal Questions & Answers.Nationals of countries who have ratified the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their cars in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers’ permits. DOT must be notified in writing of the trip.Vehicles Imported by NonresidentsNon-residents who are planning to import their own cars should have them documented to ensure that they do not incur additional duty. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading, certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. Additionally, all documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned jointly by several individuals each signature has to be notarized. A black-and-white copy of the driver’s license or ID card should also accompany it. If they don’t have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all paperwork.In order for an imported vehicle to be legally registered in the United States, it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each vehicle affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.Additionally, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a car that isn’t in compliance with requirements, they’ll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.Imported Racing VehiclesThe laws governing motor vehicles differ from state to state, however, there are a lot of similarities across the nation regarding registration of vehicles and being licensed to drive. Federal laws also regulate the safety of drivers, highways and security of vehicles. motor vehicle accident attorneys chattanooga within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, as well as a number of motor sport related regulations.If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily entered into racing.In order to qualify to be eligible, you’ll be required to possess a CAMS license and demonstrate your past motorsport participation and a genuine need for the car. You will also need to satisfy other requirements for compliance, such as the installation of child restraint points and 17-digit VIN plates.The EPA does not permit you to import race cars into the US unless the car is racing at the time of entry and does not possess any features that render unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways and roads. You must mark 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 for TouringMotorists visiting the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have signed the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports, whichever is shorter as long as they do not need license plates or driver’s licenses. However, they must to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the time of entry.Imported vehicles used for touring are also subject to Customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well as an ad valorem tax that can range from 15% up to 100% based on piston displacement. Additionally, spare parts sent with the imported vehicle are also subject to these taxes and duties. Personal presence of the car-owner is necessary.Vehicles imported for commercial useThe law defines “motor vehicle” as any device that is capable of transporting property or people and that is propelled by power other than muscular power, except (a) electric personal assistive mobility devices that are operated or driven by a person with disabilities; (b) farm type tractor used for the operation of a farming operation or implements of husbandry or snow plowing; (c) vehicles which operate solely on rails or tracks and (d) all-terrain vehicles. The laws of each state may differ from the definition and any nonexempt vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state’s licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.The motor vehicle division of the state regulates dealers who sell second-hand and new cars manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle-related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief for customers who can prove they bought the wrong vehicle or truck.The definition of a government motor vehicle is any vehicle purchased by the executive branch through purchase excess, forfeiture, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and utilized to fulfill the transportation function. This includes both domestic and foreign ones. It also includes any vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies or provide other emergency services by the department of Public Safety. The definition excludes ambulances, private vehicles owned by police officers or firefighters as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court in the county of more than 1 million residents.