Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

rope

Jun 5, 2002, 7:42 PM

Post #1 of 9 (4452 views)

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Mexican registered car - can a us resident drive it into the us?

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someone told me you cant drive a mexican car into the us unless youre a mex resident? anyone know?

porky

Jun 8, 2002, 9:31 PM

Post #2 of 9 (4451 views)

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What you experienced on the roaders have nothing to say about this?

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: someone told me you cant drive a mexican car into the us unless youre a mex resident? anyone know?Come on someone?

Rolly

Jun 9, 2002, 8:36 AM

Post #3 of 9 (4451 views)

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When you don't get an answer

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When you don't get an answer to an honest question, it's because nobody knows. I think you have an interesting question. While I don't need to know the answer, I'd like to. Hope someone comes along who knows.

Esteban

Jun 9, 2002, 8:56 AM

Post #4 of 9 (4451 views)

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Mexican registered car - can a us resident drive it into the us?

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I have a Mexican registered car and wouldn't hesitate taking it to the US. However, it's registered in MY name, I'd make sure I had US insurance and I know that it can't be re-registered without a huge hassle at the border and there is the possibility that it can't be registered in the US at all. I believe that most states have a time limit for changing registration. Here is a website that will answer your questions. I know this guy will sell both Mexican insurance for cars entering Mexico and US insurance for Mexican registered cars entering the US. I've been to his office in Tucson and have always had good service.

porky

Jun 9, 2002, 4:43 PM

Post #5 of 9 (4450 views)

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Didn't answer my question.

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: someone told me you cant drive a mexican car into the us unless youre a mex resident? anyone know?If you're an american citizen or resident and you own a Mexican car you cannot drive it into the us unless you legally import it pay duties, etc. If you're a Mexican resident/citizen you can drive it into the us temporarily another words if you a Mexican are visiting the us on your mex passport and us visa for two weeks, it's understood the car can only stay in the us (duly insured of course) for the same two weeks.

por

Jun 9, 2002, 4:44 PM

Post #6 of 9 (4451 views)

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When you don't get an answer

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: When you don't get an answer to an honest question, it's because nobody knows. I think you have an interesting question. While I don't need to know the answer, I'd like to. Hope someone comes along who knows.

Esteban

Jun 9, 2002, 8:27 PM

Post #7 of 9 (4450 views)

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Didn't answer my question.

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What's your source on that Porky?
thanks

Esteban

Jun 9, 2002, 8:40 PM

Post #8 of 9 (4453 views)

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Here are some facts from the US customs

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NONRESIDENTS may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival. Nonconforming vehicles must be exported within one year and may not be sold in the U.S. There is no exemption or extension of the export requirement. Conforming vehicles imported under the duty-free exemption are dutiable if sold within one year of importation. Duty must be paid at the most convenient Customs office before the sale is completed.U.S. CITIZENS employed abroad or government employees returning on TDY or voluntary leave may import a foreign made car free of duty provided they enter the U.S. for a short visit, claim nonresident status, and export the vehicle when they leave.

Russell Kveton

Jun 10, 2002, 7:56 AM

Post #9 of 9 (4452 views)

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US Citizen Driving Mexican Car in US - Case Closed (hopefully)

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I just spoke with a Mr. Cardenas who is the Supervisor of the Pharr Import Lot for U.S. Customs. His phone number is (956) 283-2007. He was very courteous and helpful.He said that as long as the U.S. Citizen can prove that he/she is a resident of Mexico, that there is no problem. So I would arrive with every piece of evidence I could think of just to be safe:FM2 or FM3, house ownership papers or rental agreement with evidence of rental payments, utility bills, financial accounts showing Mexican address, etc. So the key here is that you want to qualify yourself as a NON-RESIDENT, even though you are a US citizen, and thereby be covered by the first paragraph of Estaban's post. You must also have the Tarjeta de Circulacion for the vehicle to get US auto insurance, which I think you are supposed to keep in the vehicle anyway, and of course your Mexican driver's license.