How To Register A Right Hand Drive Car In California

The process is relatively short and entitles you to legally drive the car just like any typical american automobile.

How to register a right hand drive car in california. If you need to register a vehicle for use on california roadways waterways or trailways you ve come to the right place. In order to be lawfully manufactured or imported for sale in the u s a motor vehicle must comply with all applicable fmvss issued by nhtsa. Dealership purchase if you bought from a licensed dealer certain registration tasks may be taken care of for you. It s safer for the driver to exit the car since the steering wheel is on the curb side. Classic vehicles are emissions exempt and so you only require a valid safety certification and an insurance policy and then you can hit the pavement.

In this section new registration. Buying a car in a foreign country is hard transporting the car can be a challenge. It is possible for a right hand drive rhd vehicle to be manufactured in compliance with the fmvss. If you need to register a vehicle for use on california roadways waterways or trailways you ve come to the right place to find out all you need to. Registering your classic jdm vehicle once your vehicle arrives you would go about registering it much the same way you would with any other vehicle.

Right hand drive vehicles are common in europe. Next drive the car to your nearest smog station to make sure it passes california s emission regulations. Easy parallel parking just look down and there s the curb. If you don t know where your nearest smog station is you can locate it at smogcheck ca gov. When moving from out of state you re also responsible for registering your out of state car in california within 20 days of establishing residency.

Driving a rhd in a lhd world now that you know a bit more about rhd vehicles you may be wondering what it s like to drive on the right side in a lhd world. Home vehicle registration vehicle registration. Releasing it from the port is a long task and registering it with the dmv is no picnic. It s a good conversation starter. Individuals that wish to drive an imported car with a right hand steering column must register the vehicle for operation within the united states.

At 25 years old a legally imported vehicle is fmvss exempt. To register your out of state car in california start by locating your current title or registration and bill of sale to prove that you own your car. Handbooks learn the laws and rules of the road in preparation for your drive and knowledge tests. As long as the car meets us safety standards and is properly registered there are no penalties or fees for driving a right hand drive vehicle.