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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and AnswersWhile the laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state, there are a few similarities nationally regarding titling and registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver’s licenses. On LawServer you can find federal and state laws on motor vehicles, as well as related legal Questions & Answers.Nationals from countries that have ratified International Road Traffic Agreement can travel in their cars to the United States without U.S. driver’s licenses or license plates. DOT must authorize the trip in writing.Vehicles imported by non-residentsNon-residents who want to import their personal cars must have them fully documented to ensure that they don’t have to pay additional taxes. This includes the bill of delivery, the certificate of origin, as well as any other legal documentation that covers the vehicle. All documents related to the vehicle should be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person, each signature must be notarized with a black-and-white photocopy 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 the paperwork.To allow an imported car 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 require that motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the producer of each one affix a label on each such vehicle stating that it meets these requirements.EPA regulations also stipulate that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that doesn’t meet the standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form H-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to receive prior approval from EPA.Vehicles Imported for RacingThe laws that govern motor vehicles vary from state to another, but there are universalities across the country when it comes to the registration of an automobile and getting an driving license. Federal laws also regulate highway, driver and vehicle security. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for cars and other equipment, which includes a number of motor sport related requirements.If you are planning to import cars for racing in the United States, the first step is to obtain prior written approval from the DOT. This is necessary for vehicles that are imported for a long time or temporarily raced.You will need a CAMS license and proof that you have competed in motorsports and have a real need for a vehicle. You must also meet other compliance requirements such as fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.The EPA will not permit you to import race cars into the US in the event that the car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn’t have any features which make unsafe or unsuitable for use on highways or roads. You will have to complete the Box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle is cleared through customs.Imported Vehicles for TouringTourists from Central and South American nations that have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 are allowed to drive their cars in the United States without obtaining license plates or permits for a time of one year, or the validity of their documents. However, they have to present EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 at the time of entry.Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duty of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as well being subject to an ad valorem rate ranging from 15% to 100%, based on the piston displacement. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts shipped with the vehicle imported. Personal presence of the car-owner is necessary.Vehicles Imported for Commercial PurposesThe law defines the term “motor vehicle” as any device capable of transporting people or property and is powered by a source other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who has an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in the farming or operation and implements of snow plowing or grooming, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state’s statute may differ slightly from the definition and any vehicle that meets the definition of the statute is subject to the state’s licensing and registration as well as financial responsibility laws.The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers, manufacturers, moving firms and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also oversees the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they bought an unreliable new car or truck.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 utilized to carry out the transport function of an agency or activity. This includes both domestic and foreign fleets. Furthermore the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. motor vehicle accident law firm wichita excludes ambulances, private vehicles of police or firefighters, as well as vehicles owned by the commissioners court of the county of more than 1 million residents.