DOT Standards for bringing a car from Japan to the USA

[CBXweb]

Okay, now this does not mean that you dont need the crash test results but here are some (or all?) of the requirements that the DOT says you have to follow in order to bring a JDM car over here. One thing I do remember though is that you might gotta change the glass. I think this mainly pretains to cars that are already out here(eg 240SXs Civics ITRs), but who knows. Well here it is. *edit* I didnt make this crap up so chills, here is where I got it from, http://www.automotiveconversion.com/. If you dont belive me still here is the DOT webpage I got it from http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...t01132004.html

1) Remove and replace the speedometer
2) Install a warning light with the word "BRAKE" into the speedometer
3) Replace headlight assemblies with DOT certified lights
4) Install a high mounting, third brake light
5) Modify/Replace door locks with US certified door locks
6) Install a tire information label
7) Replace the passenger side mirror to reflect "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR"
8) Install a seat belt & key warning buzzer
9) Install door beams into the doors to comply with side impact protection regulations (FMVSS-214)
10) Install a rollover valve
11) Install engraved VIN (vehicle identification number)
plate
12) Install VIN location label
13) Install a certification label
14) Remove and document bumpers
15) If necessary, modify and reinforce bumpers to comply with US federal bumper standards (FMVSS-581)
16) Determine if there are any outstanding recalls on this vehicle
17) Remedy all outstanding recalls
18) Submit a compliance package to the DOT, documenting with photographs all the modifications performed to bring the vehicle into compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

[RazorGTR]

Very informative. Cheers.

[VQuick]

Nice post. That's a lot of work, too. You have to have the materials to do all that, and paid laborers to do the work.

Maybe now people won't get upset when they see Motorex's prices.

[CBXweb]

To me, alot of those things arent that hard, because I got a good amount of experience at an auto body shop, which specialized in imports, but for those with no experience, it could be hard. Oh yea dont forget the crash test results

[GTR_in_SF]

Originally Posted by CBXweb

4) Install a high mounting, third brake light

Not sure if item 4 is actually required...

I know that my car doesn't have the third brake light...

maybe the rumors are true and Motorex has been cutting corners and didn't install it on my car...

[RazorGTR]

I really don't want this thread turning to shit. So in that light I've pruned it and gotten rid of off topic posts.

If your post was deleted that is why it was. Let's keep it on topic. Want to discuss something else start a new thread or go to the proper one.

No further notices will be given for this thread. Post crap get a 5 day holiday from the boards simple.

[tylerdurden00]

Ok, I was going to post a question similar to this one. I have heard that you can import a skyline and have up to a year to actually legalize it. Is that true? And if you can... Does it have to stay at the port where it was Shipped or can you take it home. Reason for me asking is because i work at a body shop and all the legalizing mods needed would be easy enough for me too with out going through motorex. So would it be possible to buy one ship it.. take it to the shop .. do all the work and get it aproved?

[RazorGTR]

ok simply put NO for the short version. Please refer to the sticky's and other threads on this subject.

End of discussion.

[Skyline_R32_Canada]

my post was just a simple fact...

[tylerdurden00]

thanks razor, what are people talking about then about being able to keep the car for a year before legalizing it?

[CBXweb]

Originally Posted by tylerdurden00

thanks razor, what are people talking about then about being able to keep the car for a year before legalizing it?

Thats what I was wondering too, because I was just on eBay and I seen a RHD FD3S in Las Vegas, a S13 k's and a Tommy Kaira S13 in Florida.

[RazorGTR]

Originally Posted by tylerdurden00

thanks razor, what are people talking about then about being able to keep the car for a year before legalizing it?

I believe if you read the stuck thread "Skyline Importing I've done it" that would have answered this question.

[firefighter0143]

sweet..... i already have a crash test data for a skyline...thanks to homeboy in this forum. so what your saying is that all i need to do is prove that i have all this stuff in the skyline...and i get my r32 legalize legit?

[SkylineUSA]

Nope not that easy. If it was, there would be a lot GTRs in the states.

He did not mention the EPA testing. You have to send your car on a transport to each of the gov't facilities for the car to be inspected, and you have to pay the gov't for your tests, which are not that cheap. Plus loads of paper work, and if you fill one out wrong, guess what happens then

[GTES-t]

Originally Posted by firefighter0143

so what your saying is that all i need to do is prove that i have all this stuff in the skyline...

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to prove this. A RI is the only one allowed. Because they have to confirm that the work was done or was done correctly by someone previously. The Gov. doesn't actually inspect anything but the paperwork. Which is why if one tiny detail on the paper work is incorrect, you get to start all over getting the paperwork through.

You have to get a licenced RI to do/look at the conversion and a licenced EPA testing facility to do the emissions test. Then once they confirm it fits US standards the paperwork starts going.