60 Days to Export or Surrender Your Skyline

I predict there will be rebodied S14s undergoing VIN swaps......

The government loves to do this kind of stuff. Tell you that you are not in compliance but does not tell you what you are not complying to. Make them tell you exactly what laws you are breaking, if any, that way you will know what you are fighting when you take them to court. Don't forget, the government has a long proven track history of Lying!

"I have been advised..."

Who advised you? We have a right to face our accusers.

"if my information is correct..."

You mean you're not sure and yet you want this person to "make arrangements for the surrender of the vehicle."

"Also, as you undoubtedly know..."

How do they know what this person knew or don't know. They want to make it sound like this person knew and therefore knowingly broke some supposed law.

And is this even under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice?
Someone tell me if they know.

And lastly, "DHS Special Agent" I wonder why they didn't spell this titile out, they did every other title.

And you thought the "Department of Homeland Security" was for the terrorists. No, it was created to control and regulate US citizens, dummy.

Hiltler had Homeland Security too. Look it up.

Do you remember the movie Demolition Man? Where the head of the government purposely released Wesley Snipes in order to scare the wussie population into submission, that way he could have even more control. Sound familiar?

oh god... in mexico that'd be soooo easy to turn right back down... it lacks legal fundamentation or how ever it's spelled.... as it doesn't quote the articles or laws applied to the exact case, it doesn't imply that you've got the oportunity or right to prove em wrong so it doesn't agree to the legal principle of defending against accusations, etc etc... don't have a clear view of how american law works but there must certainly be some precedent to this and it might be legally opossable....

hope i made myself clear even with bad translation and spelling...

Here is an instance where the internet is the car communities' own worst enemy. It's all flaunted about in public for big brother to see and take advantage of.

Does this mean anything for the DOT Bond Released cars or are those still legal?

I am going to have to disagree with the "purpose" of this article and some of the comments made thus far.

The bottom line is that it is illegal to import the car to be driven on the road. Sure, some of the bare chassis are brought in just for parts, but we all know that there are people driving illegal Skylines all over the country. The few rare exceptions of people that are not breaking any rules are certainly the minority.

To the above. Dude, chill out with the paranoia. The Justice department IS the enforcing body for federal law, so yes, this kind of is EXACTLY their jurisdiction.

Your "right to face our accusers" comment is simply inaccurate. You clearly do not understand how that works. When the state or federal government is the one making the accusations it is really as simple as that. THEY are the accuser. In this case, it seems blindingly obvious that they became aware of the owners non compliance with the law as a result of their investigation. If your neighbor ratted you out, they may very well have to tell you who did so, but if they have reason to suspect that you broke the law because of their own investigation, they don't have to say "Officer Bob Johnson of XYZ found a sales receipt which led us to you, blah, blah, blah." And before you twist that into further "evidence" that the government is corrupt, this is widely accepted as common knowledge. Even in the situations where you have the right to face your accuser in the traditional sense, all of that comes to fruition in the court room and through discovery. "Hi, this is a letter from the government. We're going to tell you who has accused you of (insert crime) but it would be really cool if you wouldn't go to their house and murder them before the trial starts. Kthankxby."

Come on man. This is elementary stuff here.

Regarding the "If my information is correct." statement. What the hell do you want them to say? "We are your overlords and you had better not doubt our almighty power and official stance on this matter!" That's called giving you the benefit of the doubt. They are allowing some room for error. Wow, that sounds incredibly reasonable.

Regarding your "Also, as you undoubtedly know..." comment. I'm reminded of the phrase, "ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it." Your argument is just too silly to really go too far into. People have an obligation to be aware of the laws and to abide by them. Let's not pretend like the people that own illegally imported Skylines are just taken aback to find out that they are driving illegally imported skylines. Sure, there may be a dunce or two that bought a skyline off of ebay without knowing what he was getting himself into, but, again, it's not the government's fault that said person is too stupid to know what he is doing. "I'm sorry officer, I didn't know speeding was illegal." "That's ok, you didn't know any better."

Regarding your DHS comment... yeah, good job Colombo. You exposed their sinister plot. They knew that using their top secret encryption method would keep anyone from knowing the horrible truth. Oh Wait! They also used the top secret initials "U.S." at the top of the document. What secret machinations could lie behind that? I heard it means "Undercover Satanists".

Now, I don't think you have to have an overactive imagination to take notice of the fact that DHS is a little creepy and can sometimes meddle in things that probably shouldn't be involved in. You could argue that they probably shouldn't be involved in this as well, and I would be inclined to agree with you to some extent of another. But on the same note, it doesn't take the likes of Stephen Hawking or Albert Einstein to see that since this has to do with importation and border security which is within the realm of the DHS. Maybe the DHS wants to take a peek just to be on the safe side. It doesn't implicitly imply that they are involved really involved in the case.

Surely you don't actually believe that they thought the were fooling you or that they figured their abbreviations would cover their tracks. Again, come on man. If they were really hiding some plot, they wouldn't freaking tell you at the bottom of the letter who they copied the letter to.

To compare the government to Hitler because they enforced a law that everyone who owns a Skyline knows they were violating is just absurd. Our government does it's fair share of bullshit and spends enough time dabbling in corruption and invasions of privacy that something as cut and dry as this issue is hardly deserving of the cliched "big brother" type talk.

Eric Hsu, this may not the "best" use of tax dollars, as in, curing cancer should be higher on the priority list, but this is a law enforcement extension of the government. Enforcing laws is what they do.

If you think that US crash test ratings and emissions rules are bullshit, say that. If you think that the importation laws should be more laid back, say that. But the simple fact of the matter is that the government spells out what we can and cannot import into the country or what does or does not qualify. You can't cry foul when people who knowing defy those rules get caught. I personally think the law is stupid and I would love to own a few different imported vehicles, but I'm not going to act surprised or offended when the government says "hey dumbass, we told you not to do this."

Iconoclast

I hear your argument but what I still don't hear is what law this person has broken. You are assuming that this person, just by receiving this letter is guilty, as you see the majority of Skyline owners as deliberate law breakers.

You make it sound like an open an shut case without knowing all the details.

You know a person's position is weak when they have to resort to name calling. And you assume because I think that the government is corrupt and heading down the wrong path I'm Paranoid. Just call me a "Conspiracy Theorist," That's a faster way to shut down open dialogue with someone you disagree with.

"If my information is correct." So they're giving room for their error but the 2 options are surrender or export. You're right! That is incredibly reasonable.

"but we all know that there are people driving illegal Skylines all over the country."

How do we all know? Do we all have access to a database tracking all the illegal Skylines in the U.S.? That was my point regarding "Also, as you undoubtedly know..." which you missed. People assuming what other people know. It had nothing to do with "ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it."

"this is widely accepted as common knowledge."

I know some people like to believe that their own opinion is widely accepted as common knowledge. And after that long paragraph, we still have the right to face our accusers under the Constitution. We have a right to subpoena the people involved in the investigation, even officer Bob Johnson. That's why I mentioned court in the very beginning.

The problem I have is how vague the letters is. What would you do if you received such a letter? Just comply, no questions asked. "I must be wrong because I got this letter from the government."

How did we ever survive before without The Department of Homeland Security, checking on importation and border security. Maybe they want to peek, maybe not. You don't really know, do you. I don't think they were trying to fool, just hide. I didn't connected DHS to the Department of Homeland Security myself until I looked it up.

The government is our employee. A lot of people tend to forget that. Do you remember when the CIA secretly took that Canadian citizen out of Canada and that German citizen out of Germany and had them tortured in a foreign country. "Special Rendition" is what they called it. Look it up if you don't believe me. Yes, I don't trust the government.

"Eric Hsu, this may not the "best" use of tax dollars, as in, curing cancer should be higher on the priority list, but this is a law enforcement extension of the government. Enforcing laws is what they do."

That's my point exactly. I understand they cannot spend all of their resources trying to find a cure for cancer, but perhaps they should spend their resources chasing cars of MUCH higher value. Celebrities, multi-billion dollar CEOs, and foreign mobsters sneak in F40s, 959s, Carrera GTs, Enzos, Bugattis, etc. all the time. The perfect example is that Swedish mobster who wrecked the illegally imported Enzo on PCH a couple years ago doing 190mph drunk. Back at his house he had ANOTHER illegally imported Enzo and another illegally imported Lambo. I imagine that one guy alone and his 3 illegally imported cars are a much larger dollar value than all of the Skylines combined. Or why don't they go and raid Jay Leno's garage? You can bet your ass there's some illegally imported cars in his garage too. European versions of exotics don't pass bumper and crash test laws and in many cases, do not pass emissions either. The government stands to gain MUCH more by fining these rich guys MUCH more for breaking the law. The government actually stands to MAKE MONEY if they chased the people who really need to be chased. Why our wonderful government wastes resources by chasing a bunch of fucking rice burning R34s is beyond me...

There is already "Show or Display" exemption for rich cars and rich boys. As far as illegal cars go, things like the Swedish mobster, he could import his car on a carnet and have it here legally. Drive and use it here for up to a year. Its all in the rules.

The magic thing about cars is 21 years for the EPA, and 25 years for the DOT, and it doesn't matter what they are, they are suddenly legal to own and drive.

This stuff, someone has a hard on for Daryl and Kaizo. Someone is making their life difficult, however its not the only place things are happening. I heard from friends at Universal, that they are getting sweated over some stuff they brought in years ago for the FNF movies.

New Jersey Letter requesting an inspection - http://vehicleimport.blogspot.com/2009/07/letter-from-new-jersey-dmv-requesting.html

You're totally right Eric,

How much the law applies is in direct correlation with how much money you have.

Jay has a Mclaren F1 amongst a bunch of other exotics. He showed them off in his garage when they interviewed him, the bastard. The problem is he's not even that funny, and his stupid laugh, heh heh heh. Yet the boys got cash.

I know Tommy Hilfiger has also got an enzo. I saw him drive it when I happened to catch that reality show his daughter had on MTV.

I'm not ashamed to admit I watched that show.

Anyways, his daughter later got on their private jet and flew to their private island somewhere around Florida, did yoga or something, in this huge mansion. Man, how much do private islands go for now a days? The place must have been pretty big to accommodate an air stripe for a jet.

A bunch of exotic owners probably got tired of getting smoked by Skylines. So they go to their pocket politician,

"Hey Asshole, get over here. Now who got you elected"
"You, Master."
"See that Ferrari over there, I paid a lot of money for that car, a lot of money. I'm tired of losing to these dinks in their Skylines! It makes me look bad in front of my bitches. Now go do something about it, get the fuck out of here!"

Here's the catch with the Swedish mobster cars though: he did not own any of them and did not have any titles. Its funny how he was still able to get a Carnet under those conditions. In fact the cars were already actively being repo'd back in the UK.

I remember when Toshi and I brought in the Apexi drag Integra and the the V-Max R33, we had to jump through hoops to prove ownership to get the carnet. It was hard as hell with the Integra since it was a tube framed race car with no serial number.

Anyhow, the DHS should be chasing fuckers like that. But you're probably right about somebody having a hard on to smoke Kaizo.

Anyone else notice that this Jeffery Eastman is an agent in both ICE and DHS?

Sounds like a scam honestly.

Mobsters and rich people not only have connections to politicians, they also have connections in the DOT, EPA, DMV, BAR, ETC....

Theres another thing too. There has been cars seized out of Florida. There were a few people doing titling on cars all over the US, in Florida. One of the main title guys got investigated about a year ago,and there seems to be some on going things with that. R32 GT-R that was seized in Texas.

http://vehicleimport.blogspot.com/2008/06/r32-gt-r-seized-in-texas.html

There is that letter above from New Jersey.

Then there is this Arizona Letter that people should check out. A car title was revoked. Judge in that case found that since the body was imported with no driveline, it was not against DOT standards.

http://vehicleimport.blogspot.com/2009/08/arizona-revoked-motor-vehicle-title.html

California repealed it's 30 year rolling smog exemption, I think in 2006. How many 30 year old cars that are not restored or very well kept up do you see on the streets? Really! Every time I see a 30 year old car I trip out. That's how rare they are. Government employees are getting laid off but not those who chase after Skylines. Cops have new cars and motorcycles and they want to hire even more. Even though polls show over 70%, more than 2/3, didn't want to bail out the banks the politicians listened to who? But there's never money for schools. It's a simple formula. They want to dumb the population down and increase the control structure, like China. Most kids now have a hard time forming complete sentences. They say, "You know what I mean?" as a crutch because they do not have the ability to express themselves clearly. But there is a separate set of government books showing the real budget called the " Comprehensive Finance Report." Every major city has huge surpluses but they always cry poor. I'm talking about billions annually. If I remember correctly, Austin Texas had a surplus of 450 billion one year. You have to get pre 1995 I think because once a few people found out they altered it.

@ Drew. This is not a scam. This is not a joke. Don't treat it like one. ICE is the enforcement side of DHS. Its like the NHTSA is part of the DOT.

2006 was like the third time that the smog nazi's cancelled the rolling 30 year rules.

"They want to dumb the population down and increase the control structure, like China. Most kids now have a hard time forming complete sentences. They say, "You know what I mean?" as a crutch because they do not have the ability to express themselves clearly."

In two generations the US will turn into the movie Idiocracy and farms will be watered with Gatorade.

You know it's happening here in Cali. Lets move the kids to the next grade level so that we don't hurt their feelings, and give them a complex, because they FAIL. These kids will be running our country pretty soon.

(I guess this went a little off-topic)

Drew

I didn't even connect Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ICE. By hearing the news, you'd think ICE only went after illegal aliens. It's great that people can learn from one another.

Eric

I'll have to check that movie out. We could all use a good laugh. And I got it wrong. I think most kids are saying, "You know what I'm saying."

And It's the "Comprehensive Annual Financial Report." Federal, state, county, city, or even like the NY portal authority put one out. I think any governmental agency that generates a lot of money through taxes or tolls. I looked up and found out that they are now excluding certain agencies from the report. Check these links out if anyone is interested.

The last paragraph in wiki states sites the recent history of Orange County.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehensive_annual_financial_report

http://cafr1.com/

Export it to TJ and then just bring it back and store it. Just take it out to the track or car shows just be carful next time.

@ Isaiah . Its thinking like you have, that got these guys into trouble in the first place.

Don't think you are smarter than the rules, you aren't.

Its An Option And its thinking like yours that keeps you closed minded

@Isaiah . It is not an option. How many years of importing experience do you have ?

I am not closed minded, I forgot more about importing cars sitting on the toilet this morning than you will ever know.

You can't take the car into Mexico as its not a car that is allowed into Mexico. Mexico has stranger laws than the US. Did you know you can only legalize a used car for Mexico that is over 10 years old ? It will not count as a legitimate export. How are you going to get paperwork at the border showing you exported the car ? You will still be liable for the car.

Then bringing it back in, you are breaking import laws, by importing a complete vehicle, and one that was specifically named in an export order.

Shows or Racing, does not exempt a vehicle from import requirements, but they are allowed certain exemptions if you apply for them, and are allowed them.

So again, what of your plan ? Its idiots like you that get cars seized every day.

Guys, its ok to argue but please do not start name calling and insults or I will start to moderate.

Mexico is so corrupt it makes it possible, I have seen it with my own eyes.
Please forgive me for enlightening you on something you didnt know.

# tyndago You dont have to know everything.

As nether do i have infinite knowledge.

Thanks Mike

Tyndago is a really well versed expert though, he used to be in the business of DOT conversions and has a industry watch website on the subject. He really understands the law on this subject from every angle.

I would not pick a battle with him on this :)

@ Isaiah

I do not have infinite knowledge, and I have been proved wrong on many occasions.

This is not one of those occasions.

Exporting the car to Mexico is not an option in the eyes of the US Customs service,which is the agency that you have to satisfy in this case. If you have not satisfied their requirements, you will be liable for the car . If you say " I exported it to Mexico", they will say that you did that to circumvent their export laws, and open yourself up to all kinds of other issues.

You can't just smuggle it out of the country, and expect the government to accept that its no longer here. Do you seriously think they would allow you to do that ? I am not talking about a car that never existed, or is in Mexico now. I am talking about a car that has been viewed and photographed by the US customs service. It is on the radar, and they are asking it to be exported or surrendered.

You have to remember you are dealing with customs investigators here, and they have seen every trick in the book.

What you have proposed simply will not work in this situation.

I Said Export Not Smuggle Please Dont Put Words In My Mouth

I said it was not possible to export to Mexico, at which you responded ..."Mexico is so corrupt it makes it possible, I have seen it with my own eyes.".

So what you are saying, is that its ok to be corrupt if they are corrupt ?

If you are not legally exporting it into Mexico, you are paying people off, how exactly is that not smuggling ? What world do you live in ?

Take your foot out your mouth, and find something to talk about that you have 1/2 a gnats knowledge of.

Please keep this civil, both of you guys are my friends so I am asking you to stop so I won't have to play moderator.

Its allllll about who you know :)