How Did a Non-US Compliant TVR Appear in ‘Jason Bourne’ Movie Scenes?

In the world of movie production, sometimes rules need to be bent for the sake of storytelling. Case in point is the 2003 TVR Tuscan that appeared in the Jason Bourne movie. This particular car didn't meet US vehicle regulations, so how did it find its way onto the streets of Las Vegas?

Amy's Joke: TVR and US Regulations

Some might say, “That's impossible!” However, in the realm of film and production, the TVR Tuscan used in the movie Jason Bourne was a legal filming exception. This car is an example of a vehicle that couldn't be legally driven on US streets due to safety and environmental regulations. Any TVR sports cars built since 1997 and on cannot be imported to the US or Australia. So, Jason Bourne crew had to find a way to legally bring this car to the set.

Movie Production Techniques: The Car Chase Scene

The scene in question was filmed in 2016 when the production team was filming Jason Bourne along the Las Vegas Strip in and around the Aria Hotel and Casino. It was a late evening, and a large portion of the strip was blocked off for a complex and destructive car chase scene.

For such scenes, movie producers typically have a controlled location. This means that they use actors and/or stunt personnel who drive the cars in a specified area with safety measures in place. These vehicles, called plot terminals, are often non-street-legal and cannot be driven on public roads without special permission.

Permissions and Filming in Control

The production crew needed specific permissions from the Las Vegas and Nevada authorities. The local police and fire departments were informed about the filming, the areas involved, and the specific positions of vehicles and personnel. They had to approve the filming and any equipment or vehicles used in the production. The production team ensured that all these permissions were in place before filming began.

During the filming, the local authorities monitored the scene to ensure that everything was safe and within the specified guidelines. This level of control ensured that the film's realistic and exciting car chase scenes could be shot without compromising safety.

Importing Non-Compliant Vehicles for Filming

To legally use the non-compliant TVR Tuscan, the production team would have followed a special process. They likely imported the car after applying to the US Customs Office and had to obtain specific permission from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The car’s use was specified in the application, stating that it was to be used for filming and would be removed from the country or destroyed after the movie's completion.

This special permission is granted under a ‘show and display’ exception, which allows the import of vehicles that are produced in very small quantities. However, these vehicles cannot be freely registered and driven on public roads without restrictions. The TVR Tuscan, like other modern TVR models, is not eligible for this exception.

One interesting note is that older TVR cars, specifically those over 25 years old, can be legally imported and registered in the US under a specific NHTSA exception. These vehicles, even if they don't meet all modern safety and environmental regulations, are exempt from the ban on modern models.

Conclusion

In the film industry, certain rules are often adjusted to provide exciting and realistic scenes. The 2003 TVR Tuscan in the Jason Bourne movie is a prime example of this. Even though it couldn't be legally driven on US streets, the production team worked around regulations to include it in the film. This demonstrates the flexibility of film production to bring incredible and thrilling scenes to the big screen.