Technical Tips > Importing - Cars & Parts. Also RMS (RTA) Regs
Importing
wayovermyhead:
I live in NSW and just got my 71 registered about three weeks ago (finally). I don't know what the true laws are exactly, but here is my experience. Regarding conversion it must be older than 30 to be exempt, which is OK anyway because big blocks are all over 30 and I am assuming that everyone would only really consider a big block ;54
Seriously though, If it is newer than 30 and older than 15 you will need to have it converted and the engineering certs to go with.
Your ticket to registration is a blue slip which is essentially a very comprehensive safety inspection. Once you have your blue slip you can bowl up to your local RTA also with your import approval papers. You will also need some sort of proof of purchase/transaction. With these in hand you will be up for 3% of the cars purchase price in stamp duty, the registration fee (a couple of hundred) and the cost of the licence plates (varies on choice).
The sometimes tricky part with a foreign car is getting the blue slip, as this is the inspection that will determine your cars safety and compliancy to applicable road regulations.
I checked high and low prior to registering my car as to what the legal requirements where for my car to be compliant with all applicable rules/laws. After long searching I pretty much found nothing. I have heard people say you have to get the lights changed etc, but nothing ever definatively concrete. So I rang the RTA and asked them what I needed to do to comply my car, they told me to speak to the inspection station who would do my blue slip and they would tell me what I needed. So I rang a place and they told me to check with the RTA, I rand another place and they told me the same. I rang the RTA back and explained to them that it would appear they where the ones who help my information and was told "no, it is the inspectors job to determine what needs doing" So I ring another RTA office, and guess what..... Once again, they can't tell me.
So I pretty much came to the conclusion that nobody really knows sh#t, other than the general vibe that if it's over 30 years old nothing seems to matter.
I have spent pretty much the past 18months getting my car up to scratch so everything was clearly safe and roadworthy, yet I had made no changes to lights/seatbelts etc when I took it for my blue slip.
When the day came I drove it to the inspection station where he checked it over etc, etc paying only attention to safety/roadworthyness and gave me my blueslip.
I then walked into the RTA, presented my documents and ten minutes later walked out with plates and a rego sticker. I have heard that the RTA take 24hours to do an independant check on the import approval to accertain it's authenticity, but the lady didn't blink twice.
So all in all I think I was probably luckier than some as the whole thing seemed a little too easy. But ultimately I think it really depends on the people you find yourself dealing with and their knowledge of the rules/regs.... which let's face it, when it comes to old cars like these..... everyone is pretty clueless.
Anyway, that's fine with me because now I can get in my Vette and drive...... And despite all my efforts I don't think i'll ever really know if it's truly "legal"
Corvette:
Thanks alot.
I really hope it ends up being this simple.
How come you spent 18 months on getting the car up to scratch?
Apparently on 30 year plus cars there are pretty much no restrictions?
So the RTA are the ones that issue the blue inspection sheet? So I'm to take it to them for that.
I guess the best thing is make sure everything on the car works fine from when its over here, get it over there and as soon as it arrives get it to the RTA inspector and register it.
Is there anything else, anything to watch out for?
Thanks again
daniel42au:
In respect to the 15 Year Rule.... For some of those who have lived OS the 15 year rule does not apply....
If you have lived and owned a car in CA for a year then you can import it under the DOTARS Personal Import Rule (i.e. the 15 year rule does not apply so for example you can import a 1996 C4 and get it RHD'd and registered. I believe this also applies to later models too.... but, the best way to find out the facts is to contact DOTARS because they are the ones who 'interpret' the legislation and interpretations do change over time.
See Part 8 of the DOTARS Application for Approval to Import a Vehicle Form ...
http://www.dotars.gov.au/roads/safety/bulletin/importing.aspx#4.01
The above form says "Do you have evidence of not less than twelve continuous months overseas ownership and use of the vehicle?" so this may not apply to you if you have only just decided to buy but it may be worth asking how stringent are the "Rules" interpreted.
Note: late model C4s cost $24K to RHD whilst the digital dash cars of eighties cars cost $10K to $15K depending on the type of RHD conversion(chain or mirror). For my money, the late model C4 is worth the extra $10K to convert.
There are several companies around who will do the conversion including....
http://www.corvette.com.au/RHD%20Conversions/RHD%20Conversions-15.aspx
VET-005:
--- Quote ---Originally posted by Corvette
Thanks alot.
I really hope it ends up being this simple.
How come you spent 18 months on getting the car up to scratch?
Apparently on 30 year plus cars there are pretty much no restrictions?
So the RTA are the ones that issue the blue inspection sheet? So I'm to take it to them for that.
I guess the best thing is make sure everything on the car works fine from when its over here, get it over there and as soon as it arrives get it to the RTA inspector and register it.
Is there anything else, anything to watch out for?
Thanks again
--- End quote ---
The blue slip is done by an authorised inspection station which you can get a list from the RTA Roads and Traffic Authority) or have a look in the telephone book for one in your area.
As for RAWS this applies to cars 15 years or newer, however if you have owend and used the vehicle for 12 months or more you can import the vehicle and have it converted as a personal import where you do not have to comply with RAWS but will still need to have the car engineered and inspected. You are also exempt from duty tax but will be required to pay 10% GST on the purchase price+shipping price.
As for getting the 30 + year old cars registered is no big deal as long as they are roadworthy. What you will require is a weigh bridge ticket $22, then blue slip $50, once you have blue slip you get a CTP Green slip (compulsory third party) $300 to $500 depends on where you get it from and then off to the RTA where they take some more money off you for stamp duty 3% + establishment of regestration around $250 + stamp duty 3% of whatr ever price you declare you bought it for.
Corvette:
Thanks alot people.
So it would seem the best way to go is with the 30 + year old cars. Do the same personal import (12 months plus) rules apply for those cars, or can I buy one from here and just ship it over?
Thanks
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