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Temporary Import of Vehicle into the US? Temporary Import of Vehicle into the US?
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Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
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  #1  
Old 9 Jun 2008
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Temporary Import of Vehicle into the US?
Hi

Now I think it's possible to import a vehicle into the US which isn't approved for the US market as long as it's shipped out within a year. But does anyone know if this is a State thing or a Fedral thing? and has anyone ever done it?

I can't find anything about it on here, but surely there's must be Pan-Am people who drive/ride into the US on/in such a thing.
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Old 9 Jun 2008
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You can't import if it's not on the approved list unless you modify it by a certified shop. You can travel with the vehicle while in the US but can't stay for more than a year.
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Old 9 Jun 2008
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Yes, that was kinda my point
I know you can't import it if it's not approved, which Is why I was asking about temporary imports for people travelling through the US of A.

I'm wondering if for instance the vehicle is legally registered in another country and has the registration document and plate to prove it and I have the documentation to show I'm not planning on residing in the US, only passing through with said vehicle whether a) I need any paperwork at all, and b) what paperwork I need.

The reason for asking is that the Polaris RZR is available here in a slightly different form from in the US and as such is road-legal and will be registered as such. However in the US it seems to depend on which state you're in as to whether residents can drive on the road. So I'm wanting to know as mine would have a different VIN and would be legally registered etc in France, whether I would be able to drive in on the roads throughout the US of A or just in those states where this type of vehicle could be road-registered.

Does that make sense?
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Old 9 Jun 2008
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Legal
If you have a bike that is registered in another country with plate and registeration docs then you can drive it throughout the USA for a year. Infact you could drive over the mexico border or Canada border and start all over again. It doesn't matter if it is not approved for that market as you are a "vistor" You would only have problems if you try to register in US at somepoint.

Now, you need to have a VISA for longer than 3 months. We recently had a friend who was going to be in the country for 91 days and he had to get a VISA which means a visit to your local US Embassy.

Hope it helps.

Nick
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Old 11 Jun 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexlebrit View Post
Hi

Now I think it's possible to import a vehicle into the US which isn't approved for the US market as long as it's shipped out within a year. But does anyone know if this is a State thing or a Fedral thing? and has anyone ever done it?

I can't find anything about it on here, but surely there's must be Pan-Am people who drive/ride into the US on/in such a thing.
I did this last year, with an XJR1300. We checked online diligently for all the forms, James Cargo even went through them with us filling them in.

At the customs desk in NY, the officer starred at the forms and said he had never seen them before !

Right answers, wrong form.
He gave us the form he wanted, helped us fill it in , stamped it and cleared us for 12 months.

I'd say it s a "Federal" thing.

The XJR was never sold in the US (although the engine was in the FJ that was) and no one was concerned about the emmisions.

We went to Canada and back, and on the way back in the US border guard did not give a toss about it. So, I doubt you can get the 12 months extended.

The only real issue with taken a bike not sold ion the USA to the USA is parts. I needed a chain and sprocket set while there , but no dealers were interested, even though I had a parts list (all the parts have been used on other bikes in the US). A small non-franchise guy in Boulder was, however, very helpful.
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Old 18 Jul 2008
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Sorry to bring up an old thread but the above information is perfect for my question.

Can an American do a temporary import in America?
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Old 18 Jul 2008
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I found the rules...I think

Automotive Imports Facts Manual | Importing Vehicles and Engines | US EPA

Section D - Detailed Importing Requirements | Importing Vehicles and Engines | US EPA
Last edited by MeCasa; 18 Jul 2008 at 03:03.
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Old 18 Jul 2008
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I want to post this link for anyone needing to contact the US Government on importation laws. My post above shows the actual rules and this link is a contact by problem/department.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/otaqcontacts.pdf
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Old 18 Jul 2008
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The phone number for questions on Importation of Motor Vehicles is 734 214-4100 and a real person does answer the phone.

There is NO temporary importation for American citizens for any motorcycles that are not 21 years old and in original condition. You can slide on the original condition rule, but there doesn't seem like any way around the 21 year rule although I'm still looking.
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