Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws by State

No. Kei truck legality varies dramatically by state. Roughly 17 states allow full road access, 21 states allow restricted use (speed limits or road class limits), and 10 states prohibit on-road registration entirely. California, New York, and New Jersey are among the strictest. States like Texas, Florida, and Montana are among the most permissive. Always check your specific state page for current regulations, as laws are changing rapidly.

The NHTSA 25-year rule allows vehicles older than 25 years to be imported into the US without meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This is why most imported kei trucks are from the late 1990s and early 2000s — they have cleared the 25-year threshold. However, the federal rule only covers importation. Each state still sets its own rules for registration and road use, which is why a legally imported kei truck may not be street legal in every state.

It depends on your state. States like Montana and South Dakota allow kei trucks on all roads including interstates, though most kei trucks top out around 55-65 mph, making interstate driving uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Many restricted states limit kei trucks to roads with speed limits of 35-55 mph and explicitly prohibit interstate use. Even in permissive states, most kei truck owners avoid highways due to the speed mismatch with full-size traffic. The IIHS has recommended that mini trucks not share busy public roads with regular-size vehicles.

Insuring a kei truck can be tricky because many companies cannot process the non-standard Japanese VIN (often fewer than 17 characters). Hagerty, Progressive, and State Farm are the most commonly reported providers that will write kei truck policies. Some owners have success adding kei trucks to a farmowners policy, which is often the easiest route. A state-issued VIN can make quoting easier if your state offers one. Expect to pay $30-$100/month depending on coverage level and your state. Specialty insurers like Hagerty offer agreed-value policies, which better reflect actual market value than standard book-value policies.

Experiences vary widely. In states where kei trucks are legal, most traffic stops are curiosity-based — officers are unfamiliar with the vehicle and want to check that it is properly registered. Carry your registration, title, import documentation, and insurance card at all times. Right-hand drive configuration causes occasional confusion — one owner reported being pulled over because the officer thought the passenger was driving. In states where kei trucks are illegal on public roads, you can be cited and the vehicle may be impounded.

The Montana LLC strategy involves forming a Montana business entity and registering the vehicle under that LLC to take advantage of Montana's permissive registration laws. While forming the LLC and registering the vehicle in Montana is technically legal, using it to circumvent your home state's registration requirements is a legal gray area. Most states require vehicles to be registered where they are primarily used or garaged. Several states have started cracking down on this practice, treating it as tax evasion. Consult a lawyer before pursuing this route — the consequences can include fines, registration revocation, and back taxes.

Several factors are driving bans. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) issued guidance suggesting kei trucks do not meet US safety standards, which prompted states like Rhode Island, Georgia, and Pennsylvania to revoke existing registrations. Safety concerns are the official reason — kei trucks lack modern crash protection features like airbags, ABS, and crumple zones, and their small size creates a dangerous mismatch with full-size American vehicles. Some states that previously allowed registration have reversed course, and others are actively revoking titles that were previously issued. SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) has been leading the counter-effort, backing bills in states like Texas and Colorado to explicitly legalize kei trucks.

Kei trucks do not meet US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. They typically lack airbags, ABS, modern crumple zones, and side-impact protection. The IIHS has specifically recommended that mini trucks not share busy public roads with regular traffic. However, kei trucks score reasonably well in Japanese crash tests designed for their vehicle class. The primary safety concern in the US is the size and weight mismatch — a 1,600 lb kei truck alongside 5,000+ lb pickup trucks and SUVs. Most kei truck owners mitigate risk by sticking to low-speed local roads, avoiding highways, and treating them as utility vehicles rather than daily drivers.

No. In every state where kei trucks are street legal, a standard driver's license is sufficient. No CDL, motorcycle endorsement, or special vehicle classification is required. The right-hand drive configuration takes some adjustment but does not require any additional licensing.

Yes, in states where they are legal. Many kei truck owners use them commercially for landscaping, farming, property maintenance, and small deliveries. Some states classify kei trucks specifically as farm or utility vehicles, which may limit where you can drive them commercially. You will typically need commercial insurance rather than personal auto insurance. Check your state's specific commercial vehicle requirements — weight thresholds, commercial registration, and DOT numbers may apply depending on how the vehicle is used.

Usually, but not always. Most state laws that address kei vehicles cover the entire kei class (trucks, vans, and cars) under the same regulations. However, some states specifically reference 'mini trucks' or 'keitora' in their vehicle codes, which may not clearly include vans or passenger kei cars. When in doubt, check the exact wording of your state's statute or call your local DMV. The 25-year federal import rule applies equally to all kei vehicle types.

It depends on the state. Some states that have banned kei trucks have grandfathered existing registrations, allowing currently registered vehicles to remain legal. Others — like Rhode Island and Georgia — have actively revoked previously issued titles and registrations. If your state is considering changes, contact your DMV immediately to understand your rights. SEMA and local kei truck advocacy groups often organize to fight registration revocations. Document your registration, title, and all import paperwork in case you need to appeal.