The Expert Podcast

The fight over certain imported cars is increasing. By import, I'm not talking about vehicles sold through dealerships, like a Honda Accord imported from Japan. We're talking about imports of vehicles not originally manufactured for the US market, sometimes called gray market. One common type is Japanese mini trucks, beloved as alternate vehicles.

There was a federal law exempting these imports if over 25 years old. It meant bypassing strict import rules—no need for compliant bumpers, headlights, airbags, etc. But importing doesn't guarantee state registration. Each state has unique road legality rules. Some allow golf carts or dirt bikes on certain roads; others demand full safety compliance.

Initially, many states passively allowed these imports. Recently, attitudes are shifting. Insurance concerns about safety, federal road damage worries, and automakers fearing lost sales pressure states. Some now refuse new registrations or revoke existing ones after three years.

Originally a battle on the Eastern Seaboard, it's spreading. Michigan and others now ban non-compliant vehicles outright. AAMVA, a group of state DMV heads, suggested banning all non-full-standard vehicles. States like Pennsylvania grandfather existing registrations; Georgia and Texas are stricter.

If trends continue, most states may ban these cars within 5-6 years, allowing only low-speed use. Owners should secure registration and consider future plans if revoked—using it for farming, selling preemptively, or adapting to new rules. Federal import approval doesn't ensure state registration—key for continued use.

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