Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 : The 25 year law

Nissan Skyline GT-R that meet the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988

The twenty five year rule, or 25 year old law is actually called the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 (IVSCA).  In October 1988, it amended the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.

The IVSCA revised procedures under which certain vehicles that don't meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards(FMVSS) are allowed into the US.  The basics of that being they need to be brought into compliance by a Registered Importer. However several other temporary and permanent exemptions are mentioned in the IVSCA.

The important part for us being : "Exempts non-conforming foreign motor vehicles that are 25 years old or older ("classic or antique") from the restrictions imposed by this Act."

Even though many people are just becoming aware of this act, it has been around for more than 30 years. It was just as the 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R turned 25 years old in 1989, that much more attention was focused on the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988.

Summary HR2628 - 100th Congress (1987-1988)
Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988

A Mitsubishi Delica that meets the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988