Cars like mine with federalization papers and work done in the state of CA back in 1991 when laws were more lax "stick" to the work performed documented to pass the AiR lab testing. So I get to keep my low profile bumpers, euro headlights, and no air pump (wheeeeee!) Just cats, a lambda system which is easily disabled, and EGR.

Yes, RHD cars are legal in the US.


* Any car imported into the US must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Specifications (FMVSS). Canada has a very similar standard, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Specifications (CMVSS). The biggest difference is that the CMVSS requires daytime running lights. European standards are different. Most European countries operate off the ECE standards, promulgated by the European Union. There are significant differences between European and American standards. Some involve such things as turn signal location. Significant differences include different crash standards.


* Any car must also meet the EPA emissions standards. There are two sets in the US. California is allowed to set their own, and other states have the option of following either the US standards or California - but they can't modify either.


* There are exceptions to this rule. Automotive manufacturers are allowed to drive (under special circumstances) various cars that do not meet the FMVSS. In Michigan, all test cars (which these are classified as), have a special license plate as well ("M" plates).
If you drive around Detroit, especially near certain automakers facilities, you will quite often see a wide variety of foreign cars.

* I'm not familiar with the registration requirements. Check with your local DMV.

Say, weren't you the one who put in a stick shift in your 500SL? If so, how'd she run?