Entering the USA with our vehicle
 

Hi.. Im traveling again to the USA. this time determined.. much like bike riders and other campers have.. to BRING my own 2010 vehicle with me.. An Australian Holden Ute..
I have no problems with US Customs.. that is all sorted.. but trying to find people who can 100% confirm.. either our vehicles AUSTRALIAN licensing is permitted as registration or I can obtain a US registration is difficult. The US does allow people to tour with a vehicle.. subject to fees and bonds being met.. but just the permit to drive it on the street unlimited..
Does anybody know or have experience in this .. The vehicle will land in CA first late in June.
thank you.
Dave

You should be fine (a) provided you can provide proof of insurance; and (b) re-export it at the end. The insurance is absolutely key; you need to be rock solid in your knowledge on how you'll handle this. If you get in a wreck and your insurance doesn't work, you'll probably get sued into bankruptcy as soon as you get out of jail.

Now that said, just a couple of thoughts. First, vehicle licensing and registration (and indeed, insurance regulation) is done on a state-by-state basis in the US (which I think is the case in Oz, too?) so speaking generically about licensing and registration is just that - generic. If it were me, I'd definitely travel with a full kit of documentation; cars with foreign plates (except Canada and Mexico) are very rare on US highways, and I suspect you will be the object of significant curiosity in some areas, mainly by other vehicles with blinking lights on top.

Second, the Ute is relatively low to the ground compared to many US SUVs, pickups and commercial vehicles. That will make overtaking (we say passing) on two lane roads a little scary, given that your steering wheel will be on the "wrong" side.

Third, while Holden is a GM company, I have no idea about the availability of parts or spares in North America; I'd assume that you'd have a devil of a time finding the right bits and pieces in the event of a breakdown, or, perish the thought, a shunt. Your car might become part of the landscape in that event.

But, hey, faint heart...

Your vehicle is mid-priced sedan and I just don't understand why you would pay to have it transported R/T from/to AUS?

You can rent similar vehicle for what I would guess will be a great deal less $.

After all the Holden Ute is based on GM/Buick or it may be the other way around but very similar vehicles are available for rental at very inexpensive prices.

Thinking further, a camper from www.cruiseamerica.com will probably be a cheaper deal.

That said, as long as you have all the correct paperwork, you should have no issues with police. Your AUS registration together with the customs paperwork and some sort of insurance/bond proof, you'll be fine. Occasionally I see Ferraris, Bentley's, R/Rs and high end MBs with foreign plates, British and German. In fact I talked to the owner of one of the vehicles, but they actually stay here for 3-4 months during the winter. So for them it was worth it plus these are high end cars which would be expensive to rent although possible.

Just something to think about.

Have a great trip.

I think you might find someone who has done what you want to do by posting this in the Australian forum. I have run ac cross RV'ers a couple times on round the world adventures, so obviously it can and is done. Good luck.

Thank you for the quick replies.
The reason for the G8 Pontiac "ute".. is this was the LAST PONTIAC.. holden built 200 of these. .and this one I brought in the first few days of their pre release. its a historical vehicle for Pontiac Enthusiasts.. of which Im one. I've been to the US now 79 times.. but always either owned my own or rentals.. this is a "bucket list" trip.. taking something to centain shows.. while driving across america in a very very nice 6 litre touring "el Camino".. you guys in the USA MIGHT nearly got this very vehicle . .till GM hit the skids 3 years back and cancelled Pontiac.
The Licensing for street use while being a Foreign visitor is really very hard it seems to find out..Need to ask like you guys people with experience in late model temporary road using imports..
Anymore help REALLY WELCOMED.. and thank you so far.

When I brought my car back from the UK, I drove on the British plates for a week or two before getting around to registering it. I drove in Virginia and Maryland mostly, also a trip to New York, and was never once stopped. Most states require that you register a vehicle with them only after a certain period of time in the state, which, as a visitor I doubt you'll exceed. Do get your insurance straightened out. If your regular insurance company won't handle it, you might look at Geico -- they insure Americans abroad and may do the same for foreign visitors here.

Car registration is NOT a federal government function - it is a state function and rules and regs are differnt for every state. I believe you will need to register the car if you are driving for any length of time and driving without insurance is illegal. How you get insurance without a vehicle registration - and address (costs vary by location) and driving history is sort of a mystery. They may well simply put you into the risk pool (highest price for worst drivers unless you can provide proof of a driving record). If you are landing in CA then you need to contact the CA Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what you need to do.

You could contact your local insurance co but I suspect that they can;t do anythng for you. Also - be advised that getting the minimum insurance is NOT a good idea unless you are judgement proof (have not home or savings/investments). There are a lot of expensive cars on the road and if anyone is injured awards can be atronomical. (We carry $500K insurance to be safe - you may want to go for less, but do not get the $25K minimum.)

nytraveler is correct that car registration is a state thing and unless or until you are a resident of the state you don't register it. How would the state treat a car visitng from another state? From Canada? From Mexico?

From CA DMV:

Vehicles registered in another state or foreign country must be registered in California within 20 days after you become a resident or get a job.

You are not becoming a resident or getting a job right?

"You are not becoming a resident or getting a job right?"
NO.. just visiting.. like somebody with a Camper or touring the world on a motorbike etc.. Somebody must be able to get a "pass" of sorts to travel these different countries without stopping to register their vehicle in each country.. or at least thats what Im hoping for.

As posted before, NO, you don't have to register the vehicle if you're just visiting, just make sure you have your registration, proof of insurance/bond and customs form with you. There should be no issues.

But why spend all that money to transport your vehicle when you can simply rent one for a great deal less for a comparable one once you land in LA? It's simply mind boggling.

But whatever, have a wonderful trip!

As a former police officer, I can tell you that traveling the US in a foreign vehicle is perfectly legal so long as your vehicle registration and driver's license are valid. The sticking point may be insurance. You are not only required to have insurance in most states but you are also required to carry proof that insurance is valid and to provide that proof to any officer on demand.

I know when I travel to Canada, I have to obtain a Canadian proof of insurance card from my US insurance company.I would expect your insurance company could provide you a similar card for the US.

AAFrequentflyer: "<i>But why spend all that money to transport your vehicle when you can simply rent one for a great deal less for a comparable one once you land in LA? It's simply mind boggling.</i>"

Because it is a specialist car and he's taking it to car shows . . . A rental Kia from Budget would hardly qualify.

Ozpont: It has been many years since I've had to deal w/ imported cars/car shows/rallies so I can't give you any recent useful advice. But maybe contact some imported car marque clubs here in the states. Not Pontiac specifically, but like the Morgan clubs or some Jag clubs etc. and see if they have any advice/suggestions since folks do tour the States w/ their imported vehicles.

Looks like AIG, Progressive and Geico will all insure a foreign vehicle temporarily in the US. Suggest you contact them for specific information. Be sure to compare rates!

And be sure to let them know where you will be going. Some states have insurance limits fo as little as $10,000 - while others are much higher. And if you have any assets to protect you need to cover yourself for totalling an expensive car ($100K at least) as well as injuries (unknown).