What is the 25-year rule for JDM imports to the USA?

Under 49 CFR 571.7 (NHTSA FMVSS exemption) and 49 CFR Part 591 (CBP importation), a vehicle that is at least 25 years old is exempt from US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and can be imported without a conformance bond. This makes vehicles from model year 2000 and earlier eligible as of 2025.

Can I drive a right-hand drive car in the USA?

Yes. RHD vehicles are legal to register and drive in all 50 states. Some states require minor modifications (mirrors, lighting). There is no federal ban on RHD passenger vehicles.

What JDM cars are most popular in the USA?

Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34), Toyota Supra (A80), Mazda RX-7 (FD3S), Honda NSX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and Subaru Impreza WRX STi are among the JDM models commonly imported to the US under the 25-year FMVSS exemption.

Are kei trucks legal in the USA?

Kei trucks 25 years old or older can be imported under the federal 25-year exemption (49 CFR 571.7 + 49 CFR Part 591), which waives FMVSS and EPA conformance requirements. New kei trucks (under 25 years) can only be imported as off-road vehicles permanently modified to a 25 mph maximum speed and cannot be registered for public-road use in any state. Whether a 25-year-old kei truck can be road-registered after importation depends on the state: only about 7 states permit unrestricted road use, roughly 27 restrict use to lower-speed roads or special vehicle classes (interstates are excluded almost everywhere), and about 14 states prohibit on-road registration entirely. Rules are actively in flux — confirm your state's position with the DMV before purchasing.

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JDM cars for sale in United States

The United States applies a 25-year exemption rule (49 CFR 571.7 NHTSA FMVSS exemption + 49 CFR Part 591 CBP importation): vehicles 25 or older are importable without meeting FMVSS standards. This makes model year 2000 and earlier JDM vehicles eligible in 2025. Most JDM imports in the US are sourced from Japan and arrive via RoRo or container. Californians face additional CARB emissions requirements.

Age rule25 years (49 CFR 571.7 + 49 CFR Part 591)RHD permittedDuty2.5% duty on passenger vehicles; 25% on light trucks (Chicken Tax).

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United States market — right now

Active listings: 2158
From: USD 1,200
Up to: USD 264,000
Average price: USD 19,788

Source: JDMBUYSELL live marketplace data, updated daily. Prices in USD.

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FAQ

JDM imports to United States

What is the 25-year rule for JDM imports to the USA?: Under 49 CFR 571.7 (NHTSA FMVSS exemption) and 49 CFR Part 591 (CBP importation), a vehicle that is at least 25 years old is exempt from US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and can be imported without a conformance bond. This makes vehicles from model year 2000 and earlier eligible as of 2025.
Can I drive a right-hand drive car in the USA?: Yes. RHD vehicles are legal to register and drive in all 50 states. Some states require minor modifications (mirrors, lighting). There is no federal ban on RHD passenger vehicles.
What JDM cars are most popular in the USA?: Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34), Toyota Supra (A80), Mazda RX-7 (FD3S), Honda NSX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and Subaru Impreza WRX STi are among the JDM models commonly imported to the US under the 25-year FMVSS exemption.
Are kei trucks legal in the USA?: Kei trucks 25 years old or older can be imported under the federal 25-year exemption (49 CFR 571.7 + 49 CFR Part 591), which waives FMVSS and EPA conformance requirements. New kei trucks (under 25 years) can only be imported as off-road vehicles permanently modified to a 25 mph maximum speed and cannot be registered for public-road use in any state. Whether a 25-year-old kei truck can be road-registered after importation depends on the state: only about 7 states permit unrestricted road use, roughly 27 restrict use to lower-speed roads or special vehicle classes (interstates are excluded almost everywhere), and about 14 states prohibit on-road registration entirely. Rules are actively in flux — confirm your state's position with the DMV before purchasing.

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