Oh, and NO, he can not just make the car "LHD" to get it certified.

Here is why...

1. Car has to be returned to a RI, The RI must submit packet, the car is not on the "Approved list", so it will take a few months. Then the work begins. Things are changed to meet US specs. New Headlights, Airbags, Side impact beams, New Glass, New gauge cluster, new seatbelts, new Taillights, front and rear bumper supports, etc.

And all that is dependant on the NHTSA APRROVING the car and adding it to the list. (good luck there).

Next, we move on to the EPA. You'll need an ICI. I reccomend Wallace test labs in Texas. The emissions testing on a Grey-market car is more stringent than on "USA approved" cars. First they will have to modify the vehicle ECU to be US OBD compliant, than they have to replace the gas tank for a "overfill valve". Then they test the car....@ $1200 a pop. If it fails, then they can either
A. Fix it @ your expense (catalytic convertor, etc) and retest for an additional $1200
B. Crush It.
C. Deport it

After all that, and up to another 30-60 days in impound, along with duties and fees, then you can take the car home. Total cost? Thousands!

Also, if you insure that "illegal" non-compliant vehicle and get in an accident with it, Insurance companies have been known NOT to cover the owner, and leave them out to dry. The insurance rates are based off of "Compliant" vehicles, not "non-compliant" vehicles.

Let's not forget the other 2 registering options....
1. Show car (must prove the "technical siginigance of the vehicle....most of these are cars like Bugatti, etc....defineltly not a Honda)
2. Race Car (lots of restrictions....not to mention the "Coke Can" test. Read about that here... http://www.ferraris-online.com/Articles/SCM_0108.html
GREAT STORY!)

Charles