If you’ve ever wondered about importing a right-hand drive (RHD) car into the United States, the answer is yes, it is possible. While importing a RHD car can come with some challenges due to safety and emissions regulations, it is still achievable with the right paperwork and modifications. With a growing interest in unique and rare cars from overseas, importing a RHD vehicle can be a rewarding experience for enthusiasts looking to stand out on the road.

Can I Import a Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Car Into The United States?

So, you’ve got your eye on a cool right-hand drive (RHD) car overseas, and you’re wondering if you can bring it over to the United States. Well, let’s dive into the details and see what’s involved in importing an RHD vehicle into the country.

What Is a Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Car?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of importing an RHD car, let’s first clarify what exactly a right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle is. In a right-hand drive car, the driver sits on the right side of the vehicle, and the steering wheel is positioned on the right-hand side of the car. This arrangement is commonly used in countries where traffic flows on the left side of the road, such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, and India.

Importing a Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Car Into the United States

The process of importing a right-hand drive (RHD) car into the United States can be complex, as there are specific regulations and requirements that need to be met. Let’s break down the key steps involved in importing an RHD vehicle into the country.

Determine Eligibility for Import

Before you start the process of importing an RHD car into the United States, you’ll need to determine if the vehicle is eligible for importation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has specific regulations that govern the importation of vehicles into the country.

Verify Compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)

One of the primary requirements for importing a vehicle into the United States is compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). These standards cover a wide range of safety requirements, including crashworthiness, safety belts, lighting, tires, and more. You’ll need to verify that the RHD car meets these safety standards before importing it into the country.

Obtain Vehicle Importation Documents

In addition to ensuring compliance with FMVSS, you’ll need to obtain the necessary vehicle importation documents to bring the RHD car into the United States legally. These documents include the Vehicle Eligibility Declaration (HS-7) form, the Declaration of Conformity (EPA Form 3520-1), and the EPA Declaration Form (EPA Form 3520-21).

Work with a Registered Importer (RI)

To facilitate the process of importing a right-hand drive (RHD) car into the United States, it’s recommended to work with a Registered Importer (RI). RIs are specialized companies that are authorized by the NHTSA to bring vehicles into compliance with federal safety standards. Working with an RI can help streamline the importation process and ensure that the vehicle meets all regulatory requirements.

Modify the Vehicle for Compliance

If the RHD car does not meet all the necessary federal safety standards, modifications may be required to bring the vehicle into compliance. This could involve installing new safety features, adjusting lighting systems, or making other adjustments to ensure that the vehicle meets FMVSS requirements.

Register the Vehicle

Once the RHD car has been successfully imported into the United States and brought into compliance with federal safety standards, you’ll need to register the vehicle with the appropriate state authorities. This involves obtaining a title, registering the vehicle, and obtaining license plates to legally drive the RHD car on US roads.

Consider State-Specific Requirements

In addition to federal regulations, it’s important to consider state-specific requirements for importing and registering a right-hand drive (RHD) car in the United States. Each state may have its own regulations and procedures for registering imported vehicles, so be sure to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for more information.

Enjoy Your Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Car

Congratulations! You’ve successfully imported a right-hand drive (RHD) car into the United States and navigated the complex process of bringing the vehicle into compliance with federal safety standards. Now, it’s time to hit the road and enjoy driving your unique RHD car in the US.

Conclusion

Importing a right-hand drive (RHD) car into the United States can be a challenging process, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it’s definitely possible. By following the necessary steps, working with experienced professionals, and ensuring compliance with federal safety standards, you can successfully bring your dream RHD car into the country and enjoy driving it on US roads. So, if you’ve got your heart set on that cool RHD vehicle overseas, go ahead and start the importation process – it’s an adventure worth pursuing!