UK Roadster emmigrating to USA (legally!)

[Rotary Roadster]

Hi there!

I've just joined the SCOA forums and very impressed with the general positive vibe and buzz you all have for the smart. I currently own a 2006 4/2 and 2004 Smart Roadster back here in the UK. However I'm moving to the USA to study for my Law Degree (California) and wish to bring over my Roadster for the duration of the course. Does anyone know about the rules and regulations for importing and length of stay?

I've tried to sift through as much of the DMV website as I can take and also read up about smog testing for emissions tolerances and values but it all getting a bit "con foozing"...

If anyone has any experience of importing specifically to California please feel free to share :0)

Any help greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.

I promise to give you all a go in the roadie once I bring it over !

[Gortok]

Actually, I think you'll be able to get more information from the immigration office than from the DMV.
I believe you can bring in any car you like while under a work/business visa. Student visa may be different.

Good luck!!

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by Rotary Roadster

Hi there!

I've just joined the SCOA forums and very impressed with the general positive vibe and buzz you all have for the smart. I currently own a 2006 4/2 and 2004 Smart Roadster back here in the UK. However I'm moving to the USA to study for my Law Degree (California) and wish to bring over my Roadster for the duration of the course. Does anyone know about the rules and regulations for importing and length of stay?

I've tried to sift through as much of the DMV website as I can take and also read up about smog testing for emissions tolerances and values but it all getting a bit "con foozing"...

If anyone has any experience of importing specifically to California please feel free to share :0)

Any help greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.

I promise to give you all a go in the roadie once I bring it over !

i can tell you that if it's even doable, it will be very very costly to bring it into the state of CA. you would be better off if you can license it in another state and just drive it here. we have the toughest regulations in the US.

it's more than smog, that's the least of your worries. it's blinkers, blinker color, mph speedo vs kph speedo. it's a tough deal to make it work in CA.

[Rotary Roadster]

Damn those were some quick replies !

I have friends in Georgia so I could possibly have it shipped to Savannah? or any other port nearby and then drive it across country. I guess the whole conversion thing needs to be looked into. Might be better off selling it then buying a LHD European version. Definitely worth looking into to see if its do able

[24-42]

Do you intend to take it back to the UK ?

If you do, Ivestigate bringing it in 'Bond'. A bonded car does not require compliance.
A bonded car cannot be sold and will be leaving the country.
Donald LaFavor

[propes]

Originally Posted by Rotary Roadster

Damn those were some quick replies !

That's because the price of those replies is that everyone gets to get a ride when you come here.

[jwight]

Check this site if you haven't done so already, and good luck:

http://www.epa.gov/OMS/imports/

John

[Rotary Roadster]

It would be my intention to leave with the car in 4 years, other than bringing it into USA I'll have to sort out insurance and bring some spares/consumables with me as well.

I think its time to talk to a registered importer and see what mods are required to make it legal in the USA. I suspect this will be a long drawn out affair with the EPA, DMV & US. Customs....

[SmartAzz]

Good luck, I know it is doable somehow as I have seen one here.

Cheers!