2001/2002 Import RHD Registration - Province Selection
 

Since Canada allows 15 year exemption for imports, and I heard some - but not all? - provinces allow RHD (I don't know which ones tho); I'd like some feedback on which province to select for importing and registering a RHD 2001/2002 RX7. My goal is to create a Canadian corporation to own the car and have it registered, insured and tagged for road use. Once that's done I, as an agent of the corporation, could drive it to the states for periods of time not to exceed X months (I read 12mo online but need to confirm). Provided I find a true business use for the car (advertising and marketing I suppose) this seems like it could work. I'm looking for guidance for selecting a province based on registration ease, tax consideration, and proximity to New York. What are my options for province for RHD registration?

My understanding is that Quebec doesn't allow new imports anymore. Ontario, and New Brunswick would probably be your options due to proximity to New York State. It sounds like your doing the right research. In Ontario, I have been told that it is difficult to get reasonably priced insurance.

You may end up spending some time with US border officials when you cross over. They were convinced that someone was selling their RHD car stateside when we crossed. Being an american citizen may expedite the process, or slow it down.

I can see insurance being an issue in Ontario.

From what I have heard, insuring RHD vehicles is becoming extremely difficult, most have to go with specialty insurance which may not quite work for your special situation.

Quebec is 25 years. PEI is also 25 years (changed from 15 to 25 in 2014). The rest of Canada is still 25 years, if I'm not mistaken. However, RHD cars that were imported before the 25 year law passed in Quebec are grandfathered in. So, it could benefit you to find a 2001/2002 FD in Quebec that was imported before the 25 year law.


This means that you're left with New Brunswick and Ontario. Ontario is much closer that NB (it takes 16+ hours to get to NYC from NB).

And it's Wayyyyyy easier to deal with the SAAQ if you speak French.....just sayin...

I forgot to mention that NB has the highest small business taxes in all of Canada, one of the highest sales tax in Canada, and the highest income tax in all of Canada. Just something to consider if you're thinking of opening a business in NB (ask me how I know, haha).

BC is 15 years or older. Transport Canadas website:

https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehicl...-index-448.htm

I know you can take a fast ferry from Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Your business could be a LHD conversion company! :icon_tup:

we talkin' about cars or Hockey players?..:scratch:.....:lol::lol:

Hockey players?....

Both now I guess..lol!

Mainly RHD RX7 cars :nod:

TBH I think it would be a PITA for the OP. OTOH, Rotary owners are always up for a good challenge! :icon_tup:

Quebec ban was put in place before any 1996 or newer were able to be imported. Newest FD you would find is a 1996 . As the 25 year mark is around the corner, the 1992 FDs are starting to trickle in again.


Corporation will follow different insurance.

All in all, it will be expensive to drive the 2001/2002 FD legally.



British Columbia and Alberta are the biggest 15 year and older RHD importers into canada right now.

I know tons of people with RHD stuff up to 1999/2000 in NS and NB. Doesn't seem to be an issue and there's an insurance company that doesn't seem to mind them.

Correct, I stated in "quebec" the newest was up to 1996 legally.

No other canadian province has openly banned RHD , so you can find 1999 and some 2000s tricling in now

RHD Insurance BC
 

Insurance is reasonably cheap in BC if you are in a high discount class. Not sure for foreign owners; likely no good driving discounts apply. ICBC is prone to writing of RHD fairly aggressively and not allowing rebuilds. Vancouver is crawling with RHD of all kinds of makes and configurations.