The Duration Regulation for Bringing Automobiles Across Borders: A Look at the 25-Year Rule

The process of importing vintage cars into the United States can be a complex one, but understanding the various regulations can make the journey smoother. Here's a breakdown of the key points to consider.

The Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-562) established the 25-year rule, which allows for the importation of vehicles that are at least 25 years old without having to meet current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Before this rule, many imported cars did not meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission regulations or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety regulations.

To prove the vehicle's manufacturing date, you can use an invoice from the car's first sale, a dated label on the vehicle from the manufacturer, a copy of the vehicle registration that's 25 years or older, or a statement from a professional or recognized vehicle historical society.

If your prized car is over 21 years old, younger than the EPA regulations, and has an EPA-compliant engine, you can move on to the next step: is your vehicle 25 years or older? If it is, you can consider importing it. However, not all registered importers can work on every car model, so finding the right importer for a specific vehicle may require searching.

For vehicles under 25 years old, they must comply with all applicable FMVSS if you want to import them permanently into the U.S. There are specific EPA regulations for heavy-duty highway engines (post-'70s models are exempt), light duty vehicles (post-1968 models are exempt), motorcycles (post-1978 models are exempt), and non-road engines (post-1966 models are exempt).

The "Show and Display" rule allows for the import of cars that are historically or technologically significant, provided there are no more than 65 specific motor vehicles in existence for the specific model. To qualify for this rule, the car must not have been driven for more than 2500 miles a year if it is to be operated on the road. Please note that these cars can't be used for daily transportation or on public highways.

Before choosing a car for importing, it's crucial to check with your state regulations to ensure it complies with their law. Registered U.S. car importers perform necessary modifications to bring overseas vehicles up to the standard safety regulations. Consulting with a professional importer is recommended to ensure compliance with the correct safety regulations when importing a foreign vehicle into the United States.

In conclusion, importing vintage cars into the USA involves understanding the 25-year rule, EPA regulations, and the "Show and Display" rule. By following these guidelines and working with a professional importer, you can successfully bring your prized vehicle to the U.S. and enjoy driving it on American roads.

The Duration Regulation for Bringing Automobiles Across Borders: A Look at the 25-Year Rule