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Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and AnswersWhile motor vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are a few commonalities across the nation regarding titling and registration requirements along with taxes and fees and driver’s licenses. On LawServer you’ll find both the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as along with related legal questions and answers.Nationals of countries that have accepted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers’ permits. A written approval from DOT is required prior to.Vehicles imported by non-residentsNon-residents wishing to import their own cars must ensure they have all the necessary documentation to avoid any additional taxes. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certification of origin and other legal documents pertaining to the vehicle. Additionally all documents related to 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 copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they do not have these documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to sign the necessary documents.In order for an imported car to be considered legally titled in the United States, it must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In particular the DOT standards, motor vehicles that are not more than 25 years old conform to safety and bumper standards and that the maker of each automobile must place an inscription on each vehicle stating that it satisfies these requirements.EPA regulations also require that all vehicles meet air pollution emission standards. If motor vehicle accident attorney flint wants to import vehicles that do not comply with these standards, they must file EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 with CBP at the time of entry in order to get prior approval from EPA.Vehicles Imported for RacingThe laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to the next, but there are commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of the vehicle and getting a driving license. 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 other equipment, which includes various motor sport related regulations.If you plan to import an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is required for vehicles that are being permanently imported or temporarily used for racing purposes.You’ll require an CAMS licence and to prove that you’ve competed in motorsports, and have a valid desire to own a car. You must also comply with a range of other compliance requirements, including the fitting of child restraints and 17-digit VIN plates.The EPA won’t allow you to import a race car into the US unless that car is in a race configuration at the time entry and doesn’t possess any features that render it unsafe or incompatible for use on highways and roads. You must check box 7 on the HS-7 customs form and then submit an EPA letter prior to the time your vehicle is cleared.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 documents or the shorter period as long as they do not need license plates or driver’s permits. They must present EPA forms AP3520-1 or DOT the HS-7 at the time of entry.Imported vehicles for touring are also subject to customs duties of 40% and 10 percent VAT, as as an ad valorem rate that can range from 15% up to 100% based upon the piston displacement. These duties and taxes also apply to spare parts that are supplied with the imported automobile. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in person.Vehicles imported for commercial useThe law defines a “motor vehicle” to mean any device capable of transporting people or property, and is propelled using power other than muscle power. This encompasses all vehicles, except for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices used by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor that is used in the farming or operation and implements of mowing or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that run solely on rails and tracks and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. The definition of “motor vehicle” may differ among states, and vehicles that aren’t eligible for exemption are subject to registration, licensing and financial responsibility laws of the state.The motor vehicle division of the state governs new and second-hand dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle related businesses. It also administers the state Lemon Law, which offers relief to consumers who prove that they bought an unreliable new car or truck.The definition of a”government” vehicle includes any vehicle that has been acquired by the executive branch via purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used for the purpose of fulfilling the transportation purpose. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore the term is defined to include any vehicle used by the department of public security in responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition does not include private vehicles of police officers or firefighters ambulances, police vehicles, and any other vehicle owned by the commissioners court of a county that has more than 1 million.