Exporting a British right-hand drive car to the United States is a niche but established market. US buyers seek out UK-specification vehicles — particularly Land Rover Defenders, classic British sports cars, JDM imports and luxury British saloons — for their distinctive character and rarity in the American market. In 2026, here is the complete guide to exporting a right-hand drive car from the UK to the United States.

Why Export a RHD Car to the USA?

Several categories of right-hand drive British cars are highly sought after in the US market. Classic British sports cars — Triumph TRs, MG Bs, Healeys and Aston Martins — have enduring appeal in the American collector market. More recently, Land Rover Defenders have become collector's items, with US buyers paying significant premiums over UK prices for low-mileage, well-maintained examples.

JDM imports — Nissan Skylines, Toyota Supras and Mazda RX-7s — that arrive in the UK from Japan are sometimes re-exported to the US, where they command premium prices in the vibrant Japanese car culture of states like California, Florida and Texas.

US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

The United States has the most complex vehicle regulations in the world. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — NHTSA — sets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that all vehicles sold in the US must meet. Right-hand drive UK cars face significant non-compliance issues:

  • FMVSS 101: Instrument panel controls must display in English and be configured for left-hand drive — RHD vehicles are non-compliant
  • FMVSS 102: Transmission shift interlock — RHD vehicles are non-compliant
  • FMVSS 103: Windshield defrosting and defogging systems — RHD vehicles non-compliant
  • FMVSS 104: Windshield wiper systems — RHD vehicles non-compliant
  • Headlights: US requires sealed-beam or specific headlamp units different from UK/EU spec
  • Side marker lights: US requires amber side markers not required in the UK
  • Lighting: US requires red rear lights, not red brake lights and amber indicators as in the UK

Full FMVSS compliance for a RHD vehicle typically requires either a professional conversion or acceptance that the vehicle cannot be legally driven on US roads — it would need to be transported to a permanent display location.

Show and Display Exemption

NHTSA provides a Show and Display exemption for vehicles that cannot be fully FMVSS compliant. Under this exemption:

  • The vehicle must be at least 25 years old
  • The vehicle must be of historical, engineering or automotive significance
  • The vehicle may be driven on US roads for limited purposes including shows, exhibitions and occasional recreational use
  • A maximum of 2,500 miles per year are permitted under the exemption

The Show and Display exemption is the route most classic British car exporters take. The application requires documentation of the vehicle's history, significance and the reasons it cannot be fully FMVSS compliant.

EPA Emissions Compliance

The Environmental Protection Agency — EPA — requires all vehicles imported to the US to meet federal emissions standards. UK vehicles typically do not meet current EPA standards. Importing a non-compliant vehicle requires:

  • A petition to EPA for an exemption based on the vehicle's age or rarity
  • Emissions testing to demonstrate the vehicle does not exceed emission thresholds
  • EPA approval before the vehicle is imported

Most classic cars and vehicles over 25 years old qualify for an exemption from EPA emissions requirements under the Imported Vehicle Requirements.

Customs and Import Duties

Importing a car into the US from the UK involves:

  • Customs duty: 2.5 percent for passenger vehicles under the US-UK trade agreement
  • EPA import fee: USD 250 to USD 2,500 depending on the vehicle
  • ISF filing fee: USD 100 to USD 500 for Importer Security Filing
  • Customs broker fees: USD 500 to USD 1,500 for handling customs clearance
  • Port handling and storage: USD 500 to USD 1,500

Shipping to the US

Most vehicles exported from the UK to the US are shipped via container — typically a 40ft container for a single car or two cars in a 40ft container:

  • Container shipping from UK to US east coast: GBP 1,500 to GBP 2,500
  • Container shipping from UK to US west coast: GBP 2,000 to GBP 3,500
  • Transit time east coast: 2 to 3 weeks
  • Transit time west coast: 4 to 6 weeks

Major UK ports for US exports include Southampton, Liverpool and Felixstowe. Major US arrival ports include Newark, Baltimore, Houston and Los Angeles.

Finding a US Buyer

The US market for UK cars is served by specialist dealers and importers. Key routes include:

  • Specialist US importers who handle the compliance process
  • Classic car auction houses such as Broad Arrow and RM Sotheby's
  • Online marketplaces including Hemmings, ClassicCars.com and Bring a Trailer
  • Direct sale to known collectors through enthusiast forums and networks