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15 Dec 2013
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 11
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Driving in US with non-US plates
Hi, does anyone know how long I can drive my non-US motorcycle in the US for? I don't plan to register it, I'll just be driving through. I plan to stay mainly on the West Coast...
Thanks!
Veys
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15 Dec 2013
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: lobethal south australia
Posts: 37
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I recently road for 3 months on my Australian registered bike but do believe that they have a one year limit. Good luck with your ride.
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23 Dec 2013
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Nov 2012
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Hi Jeffrey.. how do you got your bike into the US and what do you have to do to temporary import the bike into the US ??'
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23 Dec 2013
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R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zambrex
Hi Jeffrey.. how do you got your bike into the US and what do you have to do to temporary import the bike into the US ??'
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Far as I know, there is NO TVIP system in the USA. If you enter via a land border (like from Mexico), you simply drive through.
US Customs/Immigration do not care about your vehicle ... only about YOU.
If YOU have a Visa you are OK. They may note your plate number but NO paper work is filled out. You just drive through. Your In!
If the bike arrives by plane or ship, things may be different. ?? Not sure on that ?? but don't believe there is any sort of TVIP in the USA. As long as vehicle is not reported as Stolen anywhere ... should be OK.
As a foreigner riding in the USA on a foreign plated bike ... you can ride (I believe) as long as your Visa (for YOU) is valid. BUT ... if you become a resident and get a local driving license ... then your bike must be registered in the state you are living in. So, this means, a US citizen (or legal resident) cannot ride forever on a foreign plated bike ... but many have ridden for years.
As a foreigner with a Passport, if you get pulled, you only need present your vehicle registration (or Log Book) and home country driving license ... (or just your passport) Most local traffic cops don't care about you or the bike and probably will let you off as a gesture of good will ... except in Canada ... where you will pay on the spot for your "infraction". The Police will process your plate number to see if the bike is stolen or if you are wanted. This is done with EVERYONE they pull over. Computers!
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24 Dec 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTW
Posts: 517
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I am also interested to know the process how to temporarily import a motorcycle to US. What is needed? Anyone has this written to somewhere?
Insurance for sure, but any other things like WoF in NZ?
Plan to ship my bike to US in few months, at the moment looks like I will fly my bike from Auckland to LA.
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26 Dec 2013
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 69
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In theory for 1 year.
You need to get a document from the US gov before you arrive, takes a week or so to get it so do it in plenty of time. No one asked for it and we went thru the border several times.
We left our bikes in the US for almost a year and rode 18500 miles and the only stops we had was close to the Mexican border and all they wanted to see was our passports and we had UK bikes
Ironically only time we were asked for paperwork was when we wanted to bring the bikes homes but our shipper dealt with it. Ping me direct if you have any further questions
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
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Lots more comments here!

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New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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