Driving an RHD into the states?

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Joined
Aug 1, 2006
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26
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Location
Whitehorse, YT
If i were to drive my canadian registered Prado down into the states, is that ok? Would i catch any grief crossing the border or anything like that? Its just for a weekend trip.
 
I had a scare the first time crossing back to Canada with my HDJ81; the officer in the booth called for his supervisor to come out. It turned out he just liked Cruisers and wanted to know more about the turbo diesel. I was worried for a few moments...

Also, no JDM or RHD issues on a return trip to San Diego.

-Steve
 
I've taken my truck across the line several times, the first time I did I gave my ID to my wife, and she handed it to the customs officer, he says in a very official tone "well thats a $5,000 fine". I said what is a $5,000 fine? (thinking he's talking bout my 78) He says it is the drivers responsibilty to collect all ID for occupants and present it to the customs officer, your passenger gave me all the ID (I'm sure I could argue that one in court though I was holding the mine and the kids ID and handed it to her then she handed it to him).

He then gets into I'm on the wrong of the vehicle.... I smile and laugh then say "I AM ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE" he goes on about not being able to see oncoming traffic when turning left, I said it is no different then being on the left side, I wait to turn until I know it is safe to turn. By the end of it all he was having a chuckle too.


BTW US landcruiser fans will love seeing your truck, I got so many comments about the rare 70's series TLC I was drving and the RHD draws even more attention to it. The only negative remark I heard was from that grumpy customs officer.
 
Has anyone tried to get a temp permit in the US for a JDM cruiser? I spent a year in Hawaii and was able to get a state permit for the length of my current Ontario registration (we are now in BC).

My truck (03 Silverado) had to pass a very brief safety inspection (biggest concern seemed to be the amount of tint on windows). I am in the market for a JDM 81 and may go back to HI for another year.

Any experiences?
 
You are pretty much stuck with their 25 year rule of proving that it meets their EPA and Safety regs - IMO unless you have very deep pockets it is not doable. You had no poblem with your other ytruck because it was a North American Market vehicle. Its a whole other ball game for vehicles built and sold outside of NAFTA.
 
I suspect that you are correct. I had hoped that because I was entering the US on a student visa that has a definite end date that I could get a temp permit for a JDM. This may be different than actually importing the vehicle as I will maintain the BC registration.

I wonder if a snowbird going to Florida or Arizona for 7 months can take and drive a JDM.
By the way, do we get a CMVSS sticker for these trucks once they are inspected?
 
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This may be different than actually importing the vehicle as I will maintain the BC registration.

I think this is the key! There are folks in the states, I've personally met some, who own and drive non-NAFTA vehicles less than 25 years old.

NO, I will NOT divulge the names or even the state where they reside. Those that I've met have local registration!
 

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