NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Norfolk Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, along with inspectors with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seized 14 noncompliant vehicles from Norfolk since October.
According to officials, since Oct. 28, 2023, 14 vehicles, including food trailers, food buggies, Tuk Tuks, electric golf carts and a camping trailer, were seized in Norfolk for not conforming to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The vehicles arrived from China, with one electric golf cart from Hong Kong and were addressed to locations in Virginia, including Richmond, Leesburg and Winchester, as well as other locations throughout the United States. A release from CBP stated the combined assessed value was about $185,000.
“Consumer markets are global today, opening the door the cheaper and unique products, but cheaper doesn’t always mean safe or compliant,” CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News Mark Laria said. “If you are considering purchasing unique vehicles like these, carefully research the overseas manufacturers first to ensure that the vehicle you like complies with all applicable U.S. laws for vehicle safety standards and importation.”
Individuals interested in importing vehicles can visit NHTSA’s website here for more information and rules regarding the lawful importation of vehicles.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.