Can you drive a Mustang in India?
Yes, you can drive a Mustang in India, but only under strict conditions: the car must be right-hand drive (or properly converted to RHD and officially registered), and you must meet India’s import, homologation, and road-safety requirements. With Ford’s limited current presence in India, the process is complex and costly.
Legal framework for driving in India
India follows left-hand traffic, with the driver seated on the right-hand side in most road-legal passenger cars. For a vehicle to be used on public roads in India, it generally must be Right-Hand Drive (RHD). Left-Hand Drive (LHD) cars are typically not eligible for registration for road use, unless they fall under very narrow temporary or special-case exemptions. Therefore, a Mustang imported from abroad would need to be RHD or converted to RHD and then approved by the relevant authorities before it can be registered and driven on Indian roads. As of 2025, there is no official Ford sale of new Mustangs in India, which means any private import would face additional hurdles and scrutiny.
Right-hand-drive vs left-hand-drive considerations
In practice, a legally driveable Mustang in India would have to be configured as Right-Hand Drive or undergo a certified RHD conversion that is approved by the authorities. An unmodified Left-Hand Drive Mustang cannot be registered for regular road use in most circumstances, limiting the viability of private LHD imports.
How to legally own and drive a Mustang in India
If you decide to pursue a legally compliant Mustang in India, the steps outlined below reflect the typical path for high-end, imported cars.
- Confirm whether a Right-Hand Drive configuration is feasible for the Mustang you want (or whether a certified RHD conversion is possible) and consult with a qualified conversion shop and the local RTO.
- Obtain the necessary conformity or homologation approval for the Indian market (often via the Automotive Research Association of India, ARAI) to ensure compliance with BS6 emissions, safety standards, and other local regulations.
- Import the vehicle as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and pay applicable duties and taxes, including Basic Customs Duty, any applicable Social Welfare Surcharge, and Integrated GST; understand that these duties can substantially raise the landed cost.
- Complete the Right-Hand Drive conversion if required, have the vehicle inspected for safety and compliance, and ensure lighting, speedometer, airbags, and other systems meet Indian standards.
- Register the vehicle with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO), obtain a registration number and license plates, insure the vehicle, and pay road tax; obtain any required driving permits or documentation to legally operate.
Concluding paragraph: This pathway is financially and logistically demanding and subject to regulatory changes. Always verify current requirements with the RTO and a licensed importer/converter before proceeding.
Costs and practical considerations
Before pursuing a Mustang in India, understand the financial and practical implications. The following points summarize key considerations.
- Import duties and taxes on passenger cars can be very high, often significantly increasing the landed cost of the vehicle—potentially doubling the CIF value depending on engine, configuration, and compliance work.
- Service, maintenance, and spare parts for imported Mustangs may be limited in India, especially given Ford’s reduced official presence; independent specialists may be needed for repairs and parts.
- Insurance for imported performance cars tends to be expensive and may require specialized coverage with higher premiums.
- Conversion to RHD and compliance work add to upfront costs and ongoing administrative requirements, with potential ongoing inspections and re-certifications.
- Resale value and availability of after-sales support can be uncertain due to import status and parts accessibility.
Concluding paragraph: In short, while a Mustang can theoretically be driven in India under the right conditions, the combination of high costs, regulatory hurdles, and limited local support makes it impractical for most buyers.
Market context and current status
As of 2025, Ford does not operate manufacturing or official sales in India, and there has been limited official support for importing Mustangs through standard channels. Any Mustang in India today would likely be a private import that requires rigorous compliance work to be road-legal. Prospective owners should consult an experienced automobile importer, a certified conversion specialist, and the local RTO to verify current rules and feasibility before making plans.
Summary
Driving a Mustang in India is technically possible only if the car is Right-Hand Drive (or converted to RHD and properly homologated) and registered with the RTO, with all emission and safety standards met. The process is complex, expensive, and subject to evolving regulations, especially given Ford’s current market footprint in India. For most buyers, the practical path involves careful planning, substantial budget, and professional guidance from authorized importers and conversion experts.
