US Customs and DOT suck @$$ - Discuss US Customs and DOT suck @$$ on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in General CBR XX Discussion. (General Discussion of the Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird that does not fit into the other specific forums.)

Oriden · 06-15-2009, 6:36 PM

I finally ordered a set of HID headlights for my bike ( i do allot of night riding) and a set for the wifes car for the hell of it.

Now there sitting at LAX airport

stuck

because DOT put a stop import on all shipments noted sample car parts

. Now i am Trying to figured out if they will at least ship them back so i can get a refund

or if they will be confiscated / destroyed.

Uglystick · 06-15-2009, 6:57 PM

Wow that does suck..

ArmyStrong · 06-15-2009, 11:09 PM

Agreed.

DeathWish01 · 06-15-2009, 11:17 PM

sample car parts? what does that mean? but yet another reason to buy in US

Poundstretcher · 06-16-2009, 6:49 AM

Probably get confiscated, then someone there will be riding around with them on.

Doug66 · 06-16-2009, 8:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathWish01

sample car parts? what does that mean?

From what I understand in Oz, Sample parts/items are allowed into the country as purely that "sample" and not allowed to be sold. Usually well marked or stamped. Sounds like someones got a hand on a few and trying to rip them off on ebay.

Oriden · 06-16-2009, 10:08 AM

I email the compay and they said they faxed the DOT form and the pappers to get it to clear. So hopfully it will pass soon.

Edde · 06-16-2009, 12:32 PM

Thanks for the heads up.

testrider · 06-16-2009, 1:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oriden

I finally ordered a set of HID headlights for my bike ( i do allot of night riding) and a set for the wifes car for the hell of it.

Now there sitting at LAX airport

stuck

because DOT put a stop import on all shipments noted sample car parts

. Now i am Trying to figured out if they will at least ship them back so i can get a refund

or if they will be confiscated / destroyed.

Thanks for the info. I ordered and received my HID from China a few months ago and I'm thinking of getting another set. Well, guess I'll have to wait...

dunedain · 06-16-2009, 3:10 PM

How far is Chula Vista from LAX.

I bet if you got down there and got in their face a little they'd play better. You can make up any kind of story and let them know the parts "..are for an R&D project" "...commissioned by CalDot" "...funded by stimulus money." the talking points are endless.

Go get'em

Oriden · 06-17-2009, 12:34 PM

Well got a call from DHL, Customs and DOT is questioning the safety of the conversion kits. I email the company to see if there were any documents they could release to customs to aid in the passage of my parts. Will keep yall updated on what happens as i find out.

From what i was told this question just came down the pipeline last week, figures i am the guinea pig

Poundstretcher · 06-18-2009, 4:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oriden

Well got a call from DHL, Customs and DOT is questioning the safety of the conversion kits. I email the company to see if there were any documents they could release to customs to aid in the passage of my parts. Will keep yall updated on what happens as i find out.

From what i was told this question just came down the pipeline last week, figures i am the guinea pig

fingers crossed

keep at em

Skapan · 06-19-2009, 8:07 AM

You mean after all these years they finally woke up and realized that conversion kits nullify the DOT compliance test of headlights? They might as well go after all the other bulb manufacturers that were not part of the original certification. Surely they have better things to do.

Oriden · 06-19-2009, 10:38 PM

Just got a call. US custom made it illegal for civilians to buy and install HID lights. OEM only.

Citing safety reasons that the kit could catch fire if installed wrong/blind oncoming drivers if not aimed right.

Last i checked any miss installed headlight can arc and catch fire and i still get blinded my non hid headlight miss aimed

testrider · 06-21-2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oriden

Just got a call. US custom made it illegal for civilians to buy and install HID lights. OEM only.

Citing safety reasons that the kit could catch fire if installed wrong/blind oncoming drivers if not aimed right.

Last i checked any miss installed headlight can arc and catch fire and i still get blinded my non hid headlight miss aimed

Can't you tell them that you are receiving the HID kit for testing? Can you claim that you are going to use it to run a serie of tests in your own lab on this kit and it's not to be used on public road?

DeathWish01 · 06-21-2009, 3:03 AM

has anyone ever been pulled over for having hids? i know its illegal unless you have projection lamps, but ive NEVER heard of anyone getting pulled over for brights... ive heard about people getting pulled over for flashing their lights and well the obvious, having a burnt out light.....

VideoMike · 06-21-2009, 3:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oriden

Just got a call. US custom made it illegal for civilians to buy and install HID lights. OEM only.

Citing safety reasons that the kit could catch fire if installed wrong/blind oncoming drivers if not aimed right.

Last i checked any miss installed headlight can arc and catch fire and i still get blinded my non hid headlight miss aimed

Yeah, doesn't that give you a wonderful fuzzy feeling knowing that our government is protecting us from ourselves?

itsthemechanic · 06-21-2009, 7:45 AM

Land of the Free, home of the Brave right?

"When HID headlights are outlawed, only outlaws will have HID headlights"! xD

thechamp55 · 06-22-2009, 3:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsthemechanic

Land of the Free, home of the Brave right?

"When HID headlights are outlawed, only outlaws will have HID headlights"! xD

thats too funny

Oriden · 06-22-2009, 2:26 PM

The company i ordered the lights from are sending them out again.
here is a cut paste of the email

Dear Customer,

Sincerely apologize for all the troubles we have caused for you, whick makes you can not receive the package timely.It is the selective examination of your Customs and we can not control this. We have arranged the shippment again. It's still by DHL and you don't worry that DHL and LA Customs had come to an agreement and everything it's OK now. There has been no problem between DHL and LA Customs since it's 12 June. We will send you tracking nubmer later. Hope your package will reach you soon.

Not sure what they are going to do to get it thru but i will have to wait. I like the fact they want to get me my parts but if this fails again i am putting my foot down on my money back.

CanadianBird · 06-23-2009, 7:54 AM

Many in the States have hids so I'm confused. Is it just in LA/Cali? I received mine from Jaws via Post Office, right to my front door. Good Luck!

Oriden · 06-27-2009, 11:40 PM

Customs are stopping all conversion kits, They just shipped back the company's 2'nd attempt. Now to argue for my money and just get them local for a little more.

thechamp55 · 06-28-2009, 5:54 PM

Good luck with the refund. If customs returned the merchandise they should return youre money.

Poundstretcher · 06-29-2009, 7:03 AM

Fingers crossed

Oriden · 07-15-2009, 12:20 AM

After a long as round about they shipped it out one more time, this time using a parcel service that uses the USPS on this side. Sailed right threw customs, got the kits. Installed the one on the car today works sweet looks OEM.

I know there are a few ways to mount them in the bike, one is strait in, the other uses the Oil light as a delay and i thought another used something else for a longer delay. Anyone know this one?? i will keep digging for it in the mean time

thechamp55 · 07-15-2009, 12:22 AM

good to hear you (eventually) got your merchandise

JDN · 07-15-2009, 12:35 AM

Glad you got your problem solved, but in the future don't consider lying to Customs about the intended use of whatever you've ordered from overseas. The FEDs don't like being lied to, in fact it's a felony and if some agent is having a bad day, which is every day, his back might get up enough that he/she will look more closely into the matter and then your goose is cooked.

TheDuck · 07-15-2009, 2:08 AM

Glad to see you got your HID in the end. Whilst I live in the UK I have ridden in several European countries and never had any problems - I was even complimented on it by some armed guards at a French port!

What I do find scary is that there is in the European Commission proposals to 'bring into line' all European countries with regards to 'modifications' - for 'safety reasons' of course. This is aimed at cars mainly but bikes will be included. The implication is that only OE parts will be able to be fitted and they will have to be fitted by 'trained professionals'. If this is implimented as it is currently written you will not even be able to change a blown bulb at home! No doubt this proposal will be watered down somewhat before implimented but that would certainly be the end of HID conversions and come to that 100W bulbs. Oh and brake pads, discs, platic body poppers etc etc.......
The EC has a very stong motor manufacturers loby, they of couse would love this (and are pressing for it) since OE spares are so expensive!

thechamp55 · 07-15-2009, 2:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDuck

Glad to see you got your HID in the end. Whilst I live in the UK I have ridden in several European countries and never had any problems - I was even complimented on it by some armed guards at a French port!

What I do find scary is that there is in the European Commission proposals to 'bring into line' all European countries with regards to 'modifications' - for 'safety reasons' of course. This is aimed at cars mainly but bikes will be included. The implication is that only OE parts will be able to be fitted and they will have to be fitted by 'trained professionals'. If this is implimented as it is currently written you will not even be able to change a blown bulb at home! No doubt this proposal will be watered down somewhat before implimented but that would certainly be the end of HID conversions and come to that 100W bulbs. Oh and brake pads, discs, platic body poppers etc etc.......
The EC has a very stong motor manufacturers loby, they of couse would love this (and are pressing for it) since OE spares are so expensive!

I dont know what its like over there, but DIY auto repair is a HUGE industry in america. We have several giant chain stores (O'Riely, Autozone, Advance, Pep Boys etc) that would be erased by this type of llegislation. I cant imagine it hapening.

TheDuck · 07-15-2009, 2:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thechamp55

I dont know what its like over there, but DIY auto repair is a HUGE industry in america. We have several giant chain stores (O'Riely, Autozone, Advance, Pep Boys etc) that would be erased by this type of llegislation. I cant imagine it hapening.

No it can't happen as is proposed at present for similar reasons to those you have mentioned although the UK doesn't have the very large chains, but the latest 'thinking' is that the manufacturers will license/authorise aftermarket parts suppliers (as they do at present since they don't build the components themselves in the first place) but those not included will not be able to sell their parts (end of pattern parts for older vehicles) Same applies to repairers.
This of course would make repairing older vehicles extremely expensive so people would be forced to consider buying new which of course would suit the 'Green Agenda'.......... another 'pet project' that is gaining strength!

06-15-2009, 6:57 PM	#2
Uglystick Administrator Join Date: Oct 08 2007 Location: Australia Age: 49 Posts: 1,571	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Wow that does suck.. __________________ Laying in bed and crying "Oh God!" does not Constitute going to church

06-15-2009, 11:09 PM	#3
ArmyStrong Administrator Join Date: Mar 02 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA via Bronx, NY Age: 40 Posts: 4,051	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Agreed. __________________ Murphys 6th law of combat operations: If it's stupid but it works, it ain't stupid.

06-16-2009, 6:49 AM	#5
Poundstretcher A Rainbird Warrior Join Date: Oct 15 2008 Location: Tasmania Posts: 4,094	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Probably get confiscated, then someone there will be riding around with them on.

06-16-2009, 10:08 AM	#7
Oriden Join Date: Mar 09 2009 Location: CHula Vista, CA Posts: 25	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ I email the compay and they said they faxed the DOT form and the pappers to get it to clear. So hopfully it will pass soon.

06-16-2009, 12:32 PM	#8
Edde Join Date: Dec 07 2006 Location: Payson, Arizona Posts: 441	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Thanks for the heads up.

06-16-2009, 3:10 PM	#10
dunedain Join Date: Jan 04 2007 Location: Tulsa, OK Age: 46 Posts: 724	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ How far is Chula Vista from LAX. I bet if you got down there and got in their face a little they'd play better. You can make up any kind of story and let them know the parts "..are for an R&D project" "...commissioned by CalDot" "...funded by stimulus money." the talking points are endless. Go get'em __________________ Sua Sponte!

06-17-2009, 12:34 PM	#11
Oriden Join Date: Mar 09 2009 Location: CHula Vista, CA Posts: 25	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Well got a call from DHL, Customs and DOT is questioning the safety of the conversion kits. I email the company to see if there were any documents they could release to customs to aid in the passage of my parts. Will keep yall updated on what happens as i find out. From what i was told this question just came down the pipeline last week, figures i am the guinea pig

06-19-2009, 8:07 AM	#13
Skapan Join Date: Apr 05 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 91	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ You mean after all these years they finally woke up and realized that conversion kits nullify the DOT compliance test of headlights? They might as well go after all the other bulb manufacturers that were not part of the original certification. Surely they have better things to do.

06-19-2009, 10:38 PM	#14
Oriden Join Date: Mar 09 2009 Location: CHula Vista, CA Posts: 25	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Just got a call. US custom made it illegal for civilians to buy and install HID lights. OEM only. Citing safety reasons that the kit could catch fire if installed wrong/blind oncoming drivers if not aimed right. Last i checked any miss installed headlight can arc and catch fire and i still get blinded my non hid headlight miss aimed

06-21-2009, 7:45 AM	#18
itsthemechanic Join Date: Dec 04 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 115	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Land of the Free, home of the Brave right? "When HID headlights are outlawed, only outlaws will have HID headlights"! xD

06-22-2009, 2:26 PM	#20
Oriden Join Date: Mar 09 2009 Location: CHula Vista, CA Posts: 25	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ The company i ordered the lights from are sending them out again. here is a cut paste of the email Dear Customer, Sincerely apologize for all the troubles we have caused for you, whick makes you can not receive the package timely.It is the selective examination of your Customs and we can not control this. We have arranged the shippment again. It's still by DHL and you don't worry that DHL and LA Customs had come to an agreement and everything it's OK now. There has been no problem between DHL and LA Customs since it's 12 June. We will send you tracking nubmer later. Hope your package will reach you soon. Not sure what they are going to do to get it thru but i will have to wait. I like the fact they want to get me my parts but if this fails again i am putting my foot down on my money back.

06-23-2009, 7:54 AM	#21
CanadianBird Join Date: Nov 25 2006 Location: BC Canada Posts: 4,411	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Many in the States have hids so I'm confused. Is it just in LA/Cali? I received mine from Jaws via Post Office, right to my front door. Good Luck!

06-27-2009, 11:40 PM	#22
Oriden Join Date: Mar 09 2009 Location: CHula Vista, CA Posts: 25	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Customs are stopping all conversion kits, They just shipped back the company's 2'nd attempt. Now to argue for my money and just get them local for a little more.

06-28-2009, 5:54 PM	#23
thechamp55 Join Date: Mar 19 2009 Location: Texas Age: 21 Posts: 555	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Good luck with the refund. If customs returned the merchandise they should return youre money. __________________ Everyone Dies. Not Everyone Lives.

06-29-2009, 7:03 AM	#24
Poundstretcher A Rainbird Warrior Join Date: Oct 15 2008 Location: Tasmania Posts: 4,094	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Fingers crossed

07-15-2009, 12:20 AM	#25
Oriden Join Date: Mar 09 2009 Location: CHula Vista, CA Posts: 25	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ After a long as round about they shipped it out one more time, this time using a parcel service that uses the USPS on this side. Sailed right threw customs, got the kits. Installed the one on the car today works sweet looks OEM. I know there are a few ways to mount them in the bike, one is strait in, the other uses the Oil light as a delay and i thought another used something else for a longer delay. Anyone know this one?? i will keep digging for it in the mean time Last edited by Oriden; 07-15-2009 at 12:21 AM. Reason: spelling

07-15-2009, 12:22 AM	#26
thechamp55 Join Date: Mar 19 2009 Location: Texas Age: 21 Posts: 555	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ good to hear you (eventually) got your merchandise __________________ Everyone Dies. Not Everyone Lives.

07-15-2009, 12:35 AM	#27
JDN Join Date: Jul 14 2009 Location: Cascadia Posts: 12	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Glad you got your problem solved, but in the future don't consider lying to Customs about the intended use of whatever you've ordered from overseas. The FEDs don't like being lied to, in fact it's a felony and if some agent is having a bad day, which is every day, his back might get up enough that he/she will look more closely into the matter and then your goose is cooked.

07-15-2009, 2:08 AM	#28
TheDuck Join Date: Oct 25 2008 Location: UK South West Posts: 746	Re: US Customs and DOT suck @$$ Glad to see you got your HID in the end. Whilst I live in the UK I have ridden in several European countries and never had any problems - I was even complimented on it by some armed guards at a French port! What I do find scary is that there is in the European Commission proposals to 'bring into line' all European countries with regards to 'modifications' - for 'safety reasons' of course. This is aimed at cars mainly but bikes will be included. The implication is that only OE parts will be able to be fitted and they will have to be fitted by 'trained professionals'. If this is implimented as it is currently written you will not even be able to change a blown bulb at home! No doubt this proposal will be watered down somewhat before implimented but that would certainly be the end of HID conversions and come to that 100W bulbs. Oh and brake pads, discs, platic body poppers etc etc....... The EC has a very stong motor manufacturers loby, they of couse would love this (and are pressing for it) since OE spares are so expensive!