Can you own a R32 in California?

Author: Katelynn Brekke  |  Last update: Thursday, February 26, 2026

We offer the easiest way to import federally legal Japanese vehicles that can be owned, driven and registered in all 50 states. Whether you're looking to buy an R32 or an R33 in California, you can be confident that we have the right model for you.

Is R32 legal in the US?

Firstly, right-hand drive cars are not illegal in the United States, and since the R32s are now US-legal, that clears up that fact. Although they certainly aren't common, even the US Postal Service has frequently used RHD cars, mainly for convenience, as they allow for ease-of-access to the curb.

Can you get an R32 in the US?

Of course you can, as long as the unit is not less than 1997 where the requirements for cars that are allowed to be imported into the US in used condition. Currently, several Skyline GTR units have been imported to America, such as R32 and R33 generation.

When did the R32 become legal in the US?

As of August 2014, the first R32 Skyline GT-Rs became eligible for US import under the NHTSA "25 year" rule that allows vehicles that are 25 years old (to the month) or older to be imported. Due to their age, these vehicles do not have to comply with federal emissions or with federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Can you have an R32 in California?

We offer the easiest way to import federally legal Japanese vehicles that can be owned, driven and registered in all 50 states. Whether you're looking to buy an R32 or an R33 in California, you can be confident that we have the right model for you.

R32 skyline california legal

Why is the R32 illegal?

The real reason, though, has more to do with something as mundane as US import laws. The Nissan Skyline ban exists simply because the car failed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The Nissan Skyline is illegal in the US because of the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988.

Is the Nissan Skyline street legal?

Legal Status of GT-R R34 Cars in the US

Unfortunately, the Skyline GT-R R34 does not meet these requirements, making it illegal for road use. While some exceptions exist for exhibition or display purposes, the overarching regulation largely inhibits the widespread importation and use of this vehicle on American roads.

How many years until the R34 is legal?

2024: year of the R34? Japanese legend can now be legally imported into the US.

What is the 25-year rule for Nissan Skyline?

Effectively, the 25-year import rule waives the need for a vehicle to meet safety standards and emissions regulations set out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provided a vehicle is older than, you guessed it, 25 years, after which it is deemed a ...

Do I need a license to buy R32?

Refrigerant can only be sold to technicians certified under the Section 608 or Section 609 technician certification programs, where individuals may only purchase refrigerant consistent with the appliances covered by their certification.

When did the R32 get banned?

1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R Group A

Thanks to its turbocharged straight-six and genius all-wheel-drive system, the R32 Skyline GT-R was unbeatable in Australian touring car racing. The governing body didn't like that too much, so it banned turbocharging and all-wheel-drive, ending the Skyline GT-R's two-year reign.

How many R32 are in the US?

Supposedly there are 10,062 globally of which there are 5,000 in the US and 2,391 in the UK, 200 in Australia and 200 in France.

Is an R32 a Skyline?

THE R32 SKYLINE GT-R

The Skyline had been through many phases, but it was in 1989 that the real precursor to the GT-R of today was introduced. The R32 Skyline GT-R had all-wheel drive and the famed Nissan RB26DETT inline six engine that pumped out 280 horsepower.

How safe is R32?

In general speak, Class A refrigerants are called non toxic and Class B are called toxic. Compared to all other Class A (Lower Toxicity) refrigerants such as R22, R410A, R134a, R290 (Propane) and R600a (Isobutane), R32 has the highest (safest) Acute Toxicity Exposure Limit (ATEL) of 220,000 ppm.

Can you smell R32?

Refrigerant Leaks

AC units manufactured since 2010 use R410A, and more recently, R32 refrigerants, both are virtually odourless. This means that a smell of rotten eggs is unlikely to be the smell of leaking refrigerant coming from your air conditioner itself.

How many R32 GTRs were made?

Yeah, they made over 40,000 r32 GTR's in total - there's always going to be a "rarer" one with even lower mileage hiding somewhere in the world in someone's garage.

Is the R34 legal in 2024?

This year, Americans can finally import and register the real deal: In 2024, some R34-generation GT-Rs are now eligible for legal ownership in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cars are eligible for import 25 years from their date of manufacture.

What Nissan Skyline can be imported to California?

Nissan R34 Skyline Finally Legal to Import to U.S. | Cerritos Nissan | Nissan Dealer in Cerritos, CA.

Is the R32 legal in the US?

Yep, the car is street legal and the majority of importers get all the DMV paperwork taken care of and it's in the delivered price. Typically you are looking 22-28k for a street legal R32 in good condition delivered to your door.

Why is there a 25 year import law?

The real aim of this rule is to ensure that imported vehicles possess historical significance and are distinct from newer vehicle models available in the market. This helps to keep a balance between older, foreign-market vehicles and newer cars on American roads.

Was the R32 banned?

The GT-R version of the R32 Skyline dominated Australian touring car racing during the early 1990s, before effectively being banned when the Holden versus Ford V8 formula was introduced in 1993.

Is R32 worth buying?

Over 15 years later, this audience has become even more niche, and the R32 now has a cult-like following. If you are willing to join this cult and have the financial means to maintain the car, then absolutely, you should buy one. A well-maintained R32 is surely a future classic.

What does R32 stand for?

R-32 refrigerant, also known as difluoromethane, is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) with a low global warming potential (GWP). It also has a 0 ozone depletion potential (ODP). R-32 is considered to be a more sustainable alternative to older refrigerants such as R-22 which has a high GWP level.

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