<P> In the United Kingdom, vehicles must pass the Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) scheme, a pre-registration inspection for cars and light goods vehicles that have not been type - approved to British or European standards . Since August 2001, there have been two levels of SVA, those being' standard' and' enhanced .' The standard SVA is applied vehicles such as left - hand drive vehicles, personally imported vehicles, amateur built vehicles and armoured vehicles, to name a few . Vehicles which do not fall into one of the standard SVA categories--for example a vehicle of right - hand drive--require enhanced SVA in addition to standard SVA inspections . </P> <P> The SVA is in the process of being replaced by the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). </P> <P> In the United States, the individual states have the authority to determine, by means of statutes and regulations, which types of vehicles are permitted on public streets, as a function of police power . Vehicles that are considered street - legal in the U.S. include automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles . Some vehicles that are not generally sold for on - road driving--such as all - terrain vehicles (ATVs) and golf carts--can be adapted for street use . </P> <P> Most requirements for automobiles are consistent between U.S. states . A notable exception is California emission control, which has traditionally been more strict than that in other states . Common requirements for automobiles include structure (examples: hood) and safety equipment (examples: headlamps and bumpers). </P>

How much horsepower can a car have to be street legal