Import a TVR - Laws and Regulations

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25 YEAR NHTSA EXEMPTION:

A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation. You should note that the 25 year period runs from the date of the vehicle's manufacture. If the date of manufacture is not identified on a label permanently affixed to the vehicle by its original manufacturer, to establish the age of the vehicle, you should have documentation available such as an invoice showing the date the vehicle was first sold or a registration document showing that the vehicle was registered at least 25 years ago. Absent such information, a statement from a recognized vehicle historical society identifying the age of the vehicle could be used. http://www.importavehicle.info/2011/01/hs7-form-importation-of-motor-vehicles.html

21 YEAR EPA EXEMPTION IN ORIGINAL CONFIGURATION

If the vehicle is at least 21 years old, there are no EPA compliance requirements upon importation. The age of the vehicle is determined by subtracting the calendar year of manufacture from the calendar year of importation. If the calendar year of manufacture is unavailable, the importer may substitute the model year or year of first registration. For instance, to qualify in 2001, the vehicle must have been manufactured in 1980 or earlier. The vehicle must be in its original unmodified configuration. Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not eligible for this exemption unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines.

No approval or Customs bond is required by EPA. The importer must also prove to Customs, as required, that the vehicle or engine was manufactured prior to EPA regulation. Documents such as a title, or letter from the original manufacturer may be used for this purpose.The importer must file with Customs, upon entry, an EPA Form 3520-1 and declare code E on that form. http://www.importavehicle.info/2014/04/21-year-old-epa-exempt-vehicles-3520-1.html

Any vehicles that are over 25 years old by month/year. So if a car was manufactured this month in 1997, it would now be over 25 years old and legal. 

Under 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a), a person may not permanently import into the United States a motor vehicle manufactured after the date that an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) takes effect unless the vehicle complies with the standard and is so certified by its original manufacturer. This prohibition applies to both new and used motor vehicles, but does not apply to motor vehicles that are at least 25 years old (based on the month and year of manufacture).

If a motor vehicle was manufactured to comply with all applicable FMVSS, and bears a label certifying such compliance that was permanently affixed by its original manufacturer, there is no need for NHTSA approval before the vehicle is imported. However, the manufacturer would have to submit to the agency information identifying it and the products that it manufactures that are subject to our standards no later than 30 days after manufacturing begins. In addition, the manufacturer would have to submit to us information necessary to decipher the VIN that it must assign to each motor vehicle it manufactures for sale in the U.S. If the vehicle manufacturer is not located in the U.S. the manufacturer must also designate a U.S. resident as its agent for service of process.

If the vehicle is less than 25 years old and was not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable FMVSS, and/or was not so certified by its original manufacturer, it cannot be lawfully imported into the U.S. on a permanent basis unless NHTSA determines it eligible for importation. The agency makes those determinations on its own initiative or the basis of a petition from a registered importer. These are business entities that are specifically approved by NHTSA to import nonconforming vehicles and to perform the necessary modifications on those vehicles so that they conform to all applicable FMVSS. The petitions must specify that the vehicle is substantially similar to a vehicle that was certified by its original manufacturer as conforming to all applicable FMVSS and is capable of being readily altered to conform to those standards, or, if there is no substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle, that the vehicle has safety features that comply with, or are capable of being altered to comply with, the FMVSS based on destructive test information or other evidence the agency deems adequate. Import eligibility decisions are made on a make, model, and model year basis.

An additional requirement for the lawful importation of a nonconforming vehicle is that it be imported by a registered importer (RI) or by an individual who has contracted with an RI to bring the vehicle into conformity with all applicable FMVSS. A bond in an amount equivalent to 150 percent of the declared value of the vehicle must be given at the time of importation to ensure that the necessary modifications are completed within 120 days of entry. A list of RI's can be found at https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ You might want to contact one or more of the listed RIs to obtain their opinion on the feasibility of conforming the vehicle that you seek to import to the FMVSS, and the costs involved in petitioning the agency to determine that vehicle to be eligible for importation, as well as the costs for conforming the vehicle to the FMVSS.

 No engine and transmission, missing any FMVSS related items is considered vehicle parts by the NHTSA. Unless it constitutes a disassembled vehicle, the EPA looks at it the same way. However, the problem with this is then legally turning the parts into a car is a tricky situation. We only want to be involved with importing legal complete vehicles. Imported legally means less hassles down the road. 

Vehicles over 25 years old are NHTSA exempt for import to the US. Vehicles over 21 years old in original configuration are EPA exempt for import to the US. Racing cars fall under different requirements for importation. There are no specific regulations for track use only, however California does identify racing vehicles as - "racing vehicle" means a motor vehicle of a type used exclusively in a contest of speed or in a competitive trial of speed which is not intended for use on the highways." 

Check out these buyer guides for things to look for:

Griffith: https://tinyurl.com/248h6c55

Chimaera: https://tinyurl.com/m3xfh39a

Cerbera: https://tinyurl.com/3rvda6jc

Tuscan: https://tinyurl.com/2tsd8jm4

Sagaris/Tamora/T350: https://tinyurl.com/bddtxsb9

Unfortunately, not at this time. Buyers are expected to provide their own funding. Although we can provide suggestions where you might try applying for credit. 

Yes. We offer this service. There are several options, so please email us for more information. 

As long as your car has been paid for and you have the proper insurance and driver's license to operate in the UK, we can coordinate a 'vacation' visit for you to drive your car, although there may be fees relating to the storage facility, getting access to your vehicle. 

Every state has different title and registration requirements. We try to alleviate this concern by getting the car titled and registered in Arizona, prior to delivery.

It is best to check with your local laws for specific information on title and registration. Federally, for importation, vehicles over 25 years old are NHTSA exempt, and over 21 years old in original configuration are EPA exempt.https://www.importavehicle.com/blog/vehicle-title-and-titling-information-by-state

Each state has specific emissions requirements for registration. Please check your local laws and requirements.

https://www.importavehicle.com/blog/vehicle-title-and-titling-information-by-state 

California has its own EPA called the ARB. Direct Import(or Gray Market) vehicles are vehicles, 1975 or newer, that were manufactured outside the United States for which the original manufacturer did not obtain California or Federal certification. The EPA normally covers direct import vehicles under the ICI program, but if a vehicle is going to be registered in California, it needs to meet the California Direct Import requirements. More California information.http://www.gtrusablog.com/2015/11/first-california-legal-nissan-skyline.html

Any vehicle 1975 or newer needs to meet these standards otherwise it is not legal to register it in California.A vehicle model year 1975 or olderdoesn't need a smog(in use test) in California. 1975 would need to meet direct import requirements(FTP testing), but then would not need to be smogged after the initial direct import requirements are met. 1974 or older non USA spec vehicles need to meet EPA requirements per 40CFR Title 85, Subpart P on the date of 11/15/1972.

http://www.importavehicle.info/2014/12/california-certification-procedures-for.html

1976 or newer needs to be smogged in California every 2 years

1975 or newer must meet Direct Import requirements(FTP testing)

1974 or older exempt from smog

1968-1974 Vehicles need to meet EPA requirements per 40CFR Title 85, Subpart P 11/15/1972

1967 or older are exempt from testing/import requirements

§ 44210. Vehicles which may be registered without certification

The requirements of Section 44202 do not apply to any motor vehicle having a certificate of conformity issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7401, et seq.) and originally registered in another state by a person who was a resident of that state for at least one year prior to the original registration, who subsequently establishes residence in this state and who, upon registration of the vehicle in California, provides evidence satisfactory to the Department of Motor Vehicles of that previous residence and registration.

Added Stats 1985 ch 1138 § 2.

California requires you to register a vehicle in California within 20 days if you are a resident of the state. ( https://www.chp.ca.gov/notify-chp/chp-reg-(out-of-state-registration-violators) )

Are you a California resident? https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/special-interest-driver-guides/new-to-california/