{"id":83451,"date":"2025-09-01T16:29:57","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T20:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=83451"},"modified":"2025-09-01T16:29:57","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T20:29:57","slug":"show-or-display-law-bmw-import-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=83451","title":{"rendered":"Show or Display Law Guide: How to Import Rare BMWs Into the US"},"content":{"rendered":"

The show or display law \u2014 or, in complete legalese, a specific amendment to Title 49, Part 591 of the Code of Federal Regulations<\/strong>, or 49 CFR Part 591<\/strong> \u2014 is an interesting piece of legislature that allows for car collectors and enthusiasts to live the otherwise impossible dream of driving cars never federalized for the US right at home. It\u2019s sometimes also referred to as \u201cshow and<\/em> display,\u201d The product of Bill Gates\u2019s misadventure importing a then-illegal Porsche 959, the statute allows for historically or technologically significant cars to find a home in the US. It\u2019s also the best way to get the rarest and most exclusive BMW models into the States. Secured a BMW Speedtop<\/a> but need to know how to get it stateside? Allow us to explain some of the steps you need to follow.<\/p>\n

Before Importing For Show or Display<\/h3>\n

Before you getting ready to import a vehicle<\/a> \u2014 BMW or otherwise \u2014 for show or display in the US, you need to make sure you have permission. A current list of vehicles eligible for importation is always available on the NHTSA website. If the vehicle you\u2019re importing is already listed, you can skip this step. Otherwise, you\u2019ll have to first get permission from NHTSA.<\/p>\n

Getting Permission From NHTSA<\/h3>\n

There are two ways to go about that. The first is to fill out a \u201cApplication for Determination That a Motor Vehicle is Eligible for Show or Display,\u201d<\/strong> which allows you to get a vehicle added to the accepted list before you move forward with the purchase.<\/p>\n

The other approach is to submit the \u201cApplication for Permission to Import a Motor Vehicle for Show or Display,\u201d<\/strong> which is required before bringing the vehicle into the US. This route may appear slightly less involved on paper, but it still requires careful preparation. Applicants need to have logistics in place \u2014 such as storage, intended usage, and insurance \u2014 and must provide supporting documentation if the car has not already been approved for show or display.<\/p>\n

In either case you\u2019ll need photographs, production verification, and documentation supporting the vehicle\u2019s \u201chistorical or technological significance.\u201d That last part can be a doozy. Technological significance requires identification of \u201cspecific technology, engineering, and construction features of the vehicle that are advanced and of an unusual nature.\u201d Historical significance, meanwhile, means establishing proof that the vehicle is first or last of its model, \u201cone of a kind,\u201d or owned by someone historically important. But that\u2019s just the start of vehicle eligibility.<\/p>\n

Five Questions and a List<\/h3>\n

When trying to figure out whether or not your vehicle is special enough for show or display, consider NHTSA\u2019s five guidelines. Essentially, the organization says that if any one of these questions can be answered with a \u201cyes,\u201d the car will not be eligible for show or display. The five questions are:<\/p>\n