If you’ve ever fallen in love with a right-hand drive car while traveling abroad—or are moving from a country that uses RHD vehicles—you’ve likely asked, “Can I ship a right-hand drive car to the U.S. or another country?” The answer is yes, you can, but the process involves more than just booking transport. There are specific regulations, safety standards, and import rules you’ll need to follow.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shipping a right-hand drive car legally and smoothly. At Shipping Cars, we help clients around the globe transport unique vehicles, including RHD imports, with full regulatory support and expert guidance.
Check Import Eligibility Before Shipping a Right-Hand Drive Car
Not every country allows the unrestricted import of right-hand drive vehicles. In the United States, for example, a car must meet one of the following conditions to be legally imported:
* Be 25 years old or older (the 25-Year Rule applies to classic and vintage imports)
* Be certified as conforming to U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
* Be imported under a special exemption (e.g., for show, exhibition, or off-road use)
If your RHD vehicle is newer than 25 years and not originally built for U.S. roads, it may need expensive modifications to comply with safety and emissions standards—or it might not be eligible at all.
*Expert Tip:* Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and EPA websites to verify if your car’s make and model is eligible for import. Our team at Shipping Cars can also help you interpret these rules.
Gather the Right Documents to Ship a Right-Hand Drive Car
Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is collecting the necessary documents. You’ll need a complete file to ensure your vehicle clears customs and reaches its destination without delay. Required documents include:
* Original Title and Registration
* Bill of Sale or proof of ownership
* Photo ID of the shipper and receiver
* Import Approval Forms (varies by country)
* Safety and Emissions Certification (if applicable)
In some cases, you may also need a Compliance Letter from the manufacturer or a Registered Importer confirming the car has been modified to meet local safety standards.
Choose the Right Shipping Method for a Right-Hand Drive Car
The shipping method you choose depends on your budget, timeline, and vehicle value. The two most common international shipping options are:
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
* Best for operational vehicles
* Car is driven onto a cargo ship and secured
* More affordable, but offers limited protection from the elements
Container Shipping
* Ideal for high-value or rare RHD vehicles
* Car is secured inside a 20-ft or 40-ft container
* Offers superior protection during transit
If your right-hand drive car is a classic or modified import, container shipping may be the safer option. At Shipping Cars, we provide both RoRo and container shipping solutions to meet your needs.
Understand Customs and Destination Requirements
Different countries have their own rules for accepting RHD vehicles. For instance:
* Australia accepts many RHD cars but has strict quarantine and modification rules.
* Canada allows RHD imports that are 15 years or older.
* United Kingdom has no issue with RHD, but customs paperwork must be accurate.
* United States enforces the 25-year rule unless federalized.
Once the vehicle arrives, customs officials will inspect your documentation, verify compliance, and may charge import duties and taxes. You’ll then need to register the car with the local motor vehicle authority before it can be driven.
*Real-World Insight: One of our clients shipped a 1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R to California. Since the car was over 25 years old, it qualified under the exemption and cleared customs in under a week—with no modifications required.
How Shipping Cars Helps You Ship a Right-Hand Drive Car
Shipping a right-hand drive car requires more than basic shipping logistics. It involves navigating complex compliance, choosing the right port, and coordinating with customs authorities. That’s where we come in.
At Shipping Cars, we offer:
* Expert advice on eligibility and compliance
* Document preparation and customs support
* Both RoRo and container shipping options
* Trusted carrier network with worldwide coverage
* Real-time tracking and customer support
Whether you’re an enthusiast importing a rare JDM car or relocating with your personal vehicle, we ensure your right-hand drive car reaches its destination safely and legally.
Final Thoughts on Shipping a Right-Hand Drive Car
So, can you ship a right-hand drive car? Absolutely—but only if you do your homework first. You’ll need to check local import laws, gather the right documents, and select a shipping method that suits your car’s value and your peace of mind.
If you’re ready to move forward with shipping a right-hand drive vehicle, let the professionals at Shipping Cars guide you through the process from start to finish. We make complicated international shipping simple, legal, and efficient.
Start your right-hand drive car shipping journey today—get a free quote and personalized advice now.