Guatemalan car in the U.S
We are U.S./Americans, living in Guatemala...we want to vacation in the U.S. this time by DRIVING up through Mexico and then to the U.S. We have Guatemalan D.L. and current insurance. Mexico requires us buying Mexico insurance. What does the U.S. require?
Best Answer
US laws vary by state, but in general you will be required to have a minimum of liability insurance. I'm not sure exactly how to get US liability insurance for a foreign vehicle, but I would check with the major insurance carriers (GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, etc)
I know that the US allows Mexican vehicles, but I don't know the procedure. I don't know if they permit Guatemalan vehicles, but I imagine they do. I'm not sure if that is part of your question or not.
And finally, one thing to consider is that the trip between Guatemala and Mexico is VERY LONG, expensive (in large part due to the toll roads in Mexico) and somewhat dangerous. I just took the same trip in reverse, and we had three blown tires due to poor roads, and our brakes siezed up. If your reason for a road trip is to save money, you may well actually save money by flying and renting a car in the USA.
Of course there are many other reasons you may want to drive as well. Sight seeing in Mexico on the way is always fun.
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Are foreign cars legal in the US?
The law was passed in 1988, allowing America's car enthusiasts to import cars from foreign lands as long as those cars are at least 25 years old. Usually, these are models that weren't sold in the United States for a variety of reasons.How long can a foreign car stay in the US?
Conforming vehicles so imported may remain in the U.S. indefinitely once a formal entry is made for EPA purposes. Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival.How much does it cost to import a car to Guatemala?
From the United States, shipping a car to Guatemala isn't that expensive, roughly $1,400 to $3,000 in most cases for a standard car. The taxes upon arrival can be high, depending on the type, year, and value of the vehicle.Can you drive a JDM in America?
Is it possible to import right hand drive JDM cars to USA? Yes it's possible. According to NHTSA Importation and Certification FAQ, a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS regulations.Driving in Guatemala was a bad idea
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Images: Enric Cruz López, mike noga, Samson Katt, Charles Parker