25-Year Import Rule (Show or Display)

Federal law generally bars the import of a motor vehicle that does not conform to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and was not certified by its original manufacturer. A separate provision covers vehicles that are old enough. In 49 CFR 591.5(i), a declaration can state that the vehicle is 25 or more years old. NHTSA's FAQ says a vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be imported without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. The FAQ says the 25-year period runs from the date of manufacture, not from the model year on a badge. [2] [1] [3]

The HS-7 declaration form uses Box 1 for the statement that the vehicle is 25 or more years old. That box cites 49 CFR 591.5(i). This page describes the form. It does not tell a reader how to complete an entry. [4] [1]

Show or Display is not the 25-year rule. 49 CFR 591.5(j) covers a nonconforming vehicle imported solely for research, investigations, or show or display. The importer must have a permission letter from the NHTSA Administrator. The request must explain why the vehicle is of historical or technological interest. If the importer wants to use the vehicle on public roads, the regulation requires an insurance condition that the vehicle will not accumulate more than 2,500 miles in any 12-month period, until the vehicle is not less than 25 years old. [1]

NHTSA's FAQ states, as a general rule, that a vehicle will not be found eligible for show or display if more than 500 vehicles of the same model were produced, if a U.S.-certified version was sold, or if the vehicle is already eligible for importation by modification. The FAQ calls that a general rule. This page does not treat it as a statute quote. The HS-7 form uses Box 10 for show or display and cites 49 CFR 591.5(j). Box 10 requires a copy of the NHTSA permission letter. [3] [4] [1]

EPA rules are a separate program from both of these NHTSA paths. This page does not state an EPA age cutoff. Read the EPA import page for the emissions rule in force. [5]