Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in California (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in California?

No, kei trucks are not street legal in California for on-road use. California maintains one of the strictest stances in the nation against kei trucks, effectively prohibiting them from public roads due to stringent emissions and safety requirements that these vehicles cannot meet.

Unlike states such as Colorado and Arizona that have enacted legislation to legalize kei trucks with reasonable restrictions, California has yet to take similar steps, continuing to restrict general street use of these vehicles. The majority of kei trucks cannot be registered for on-road use in California due to two primary regulatory barriers:

1. CARB Emissions Standards: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) enforces some of the strictest emissions standards in the country. CARB certification is mandatory for vehicles to be registered for street use, and nearly all kei trucks fail to meet these requirements, especially models that don't comply with California's specifications.

2. Federal and State Safety Standards: Kei trucks were manufactured to Japanese safety regulations, not U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). They typically lack the braking systems, lighting, crashworthiness standards, and other safety equipment required by California and federal law.

While the NHTSA 25-year import rule exempts vehicles 25 years or older from EPA emissions and DOT safety standards for importation purposes, this exemption does not override California's state-level requirements. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. California still requires CARB certification and FMVSS compliance for road registration.

Popular models like the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Daihatsu Hijet, and Mitsubishi Minicab cannot be legally driven on California public roads, though they can be registered as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) for use on private property or designated off-road areas.

How to Register a Kei Truck in California

For On-Road Use: Not Possible

California does not provide a pathway to register kei trucks for on-road use. The California DMV requires all street-legal vehicles to meet FMVSS and have CARB certification, which kei trucks cannot satisfy.

For Off-Highway Use: OHV Registration

You can register a kei truck as an Off-Highway Vehicle for use on private property or designated OHV areas. Here's how:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Original title or proof of ownership
Bill of sale
Valid California driver's license or ID
U.S. Customs paperwork if imported (CBP Form 7501)

Step 2: Complete Application

Fill out Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
Check the box for Off-Highway Vehicle registration
Provide vehicle identification and specifications

Step 3: Pay Fees

OHV identification fee: $26 (2-year registration)
Additional fees may apply based on specific circumstances

Step 4: Submit to DMV

Visit a California DMV office or mail your application
Processing time: 4-8 weeks for mail submissions

What OHV Registration Allows:

Use on private property
Use on designated OHV trails and recreation areas
Transportation on public roads only when loaded on a trailer

What OHV Registration Does NOT Allow:

Driving on any California public roads, streets, or highways
Parking in public parking lots or streets
Any on-road transportation under the vehicle's own power

Failed On-Road Registration Attempts:

Some owners have attempted to register kei trucks for street use by:

Obtaining a BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) label after emissions inspection
Registering through specialty vehicle channels
Claiming historic or collector vehicle status

However, these attempts typically fail because kei trucks cannot pass CARB emissions testing with their original engines and emissions equipment designed for Japanese standards. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) actively enforces these regulations, and owners have encountered citations, fines, and vehicle impoundments.

Restrictions and Limitations

California's restrictions on kei trucks are among the most stringent in the nation:

Complete Public Road Ban: Kei trucks registered as OHVs cannot be operated on any California public roads, including:

City streets
County roads
State highways
Interstates
Any public parking areas

CARB Emissions Barrier: California requires CARB certification for all vehicles manufactured after 1967. Kei trucks were manufactured to Japanese emissions standards that differ substantially from California's specifications. Obtaining CARB certification for an imported kei truck is effectively impossible without:

Complete engine replacement with a CARB-certified engine
Extensive emissions control system modifications
Professional testing and certification (costs exceeding $5,000-$10,000)

Even with modifications, success is not guaranteed, and the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has strict requirements.

Safety Equipment Deficiencies: Beyond emissions, kei trucks typically fail to meet:

FMVSS crash test standards
Headlight and lighting specifications for U.S. roads
Side-impact protection requirements
Modern braking performance standards

Right-Hand Drive Concerns: California has additional concerns about right-hand drive vehicles on roads designed for left-hand drive traffic, citing safety issues with visibility, passing, drive-throughs, and toll booths.

Active Enforcement: The California Highway Patrol actively enforces vehicle compliance. Owners caught operating unregistered or improperly registered kei trucks face:

Citations for operating an unregistered vehicle
Citations for lack of insurance
Vehicle impoundment
Fines ranging from $500 to $2,000+
Court appearances

No Local Exceptions: Unlike vehicle regulations in some states where local jurisdictions have flexibility, California's vehicle codes are enforced statewide. No cities, counties, or local areas can create exceptions for kei trucks.

Insurance Requirements

For On-Road Use (Not Applicable): Since kei trucks cannot be registered for on-road use in California, standard auto insurance is not obtainable or required.

For Off-Highway Use: If you register a kei truck as an OHV for private property use, insurance is not legally required but is highly recommended:

Property Insurance: Consider coverage through your homeowner's or property insurance policy for:

Theft
Fire damage
Weather damage
Vandalism

OHV Liability Insurance: Some insurance companies offer specialty OHV liability coverage:

Progressive: Offers OHV and recreational vehicle insurance
American Modern: Specializes in specialty vehicles
Hagerty: May cover collector/specialty vehicles for off-road use

Costs for OHV Insurance: Expect to pay $100-$300 annually for basic OHV liability coverage, significantly less than on-road auto insurance.

If Caught Operating Illegally: Without proper registration and insurance, operating a kei truck on California roads can result in:

Personal liability for any accidents or injuries
Criminal charges for uninsured motorist violations
Civil liability with no insurance protection
Vehicle impoundment and storage fees

Alternative for Importers: Some California residents who frequently travel to neighboring states (Nevada, Oregon, Arizona) where kei trucks are legal have attempted out-of-state registration. See our complete state-by-state guide for details. However, California residency laws require vehicles owned by California residents to be registered in California within 20 days of establishing residency. Using out-of-state registration while residing in California is illegal and can result in penalties.

Inspection and Emissions

California's emissions requirements create an insurmountable barrier for kei truck owners seeking on-road registration.

CARB Certification Requirement: The California Air Resources Board mandates that all vehicles manufactured after 1967 demonstrate emissions compliance through CARB certification. This is a separate requirement from federal EPA standards and is significantly more stringent.

Smog Check Requirements: Nearly all vehicles manufactured after 1967 must pass a smog check and demonstrate compliance. For kei trucks, this presents multiple challenges:

Kei trucks use Japanese emissions equipment not compatible with California's testing equipment
Original engines and catalytic converters don't meet CARB specifications
Testing stations may refuse to test vehicles without proper certification

Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Process: To register a non-certified vehicle, owners must obtain a BAR label by:

Submitting the vehicle to a Smog Check Referee
Passing comprehensive inspection and emissions testing
Demonstrating compliance with the vehicle's model year requirements

According to California DMV imported vehicle requirements, obtaining BAR certification is often the most challenging and time-consuming part of the registration process. For kei trucks, the non-U.S.-spec engine and emissions components were not designed to interface with California's testing equipment, making certification effectively impossible.

Testing Costs:

Standard smog check: $50-$80
BAR Referee inspection: $35-$50
Required modifications: $3,000-$10,000+ (often unsuccessful)

Biennial Smog Checks: Even if somehow certified initially, California requires smog checks every two years for most vehicles, creating an ongoing compliance burden.

Exemptions:

Vehicles 1975 and older are exempt from smog checks
Vehicles 4 years old or newer are exempt (doesn't apply to imports)

Most kei trucks fall between these ranges and would require testing.

Safety Inspections: California requires VIN verification and potentially brake, lamp, and safety inspections for imported vehicles. These are conducted during initial registration attempts.

Tips from California Kei Truck Owners

Despite the restrictions, some California residents own kei trucks for off-road or private property use. Here's what they've learned:

Use for Private Property Only: Ranches, large properties, vineyards, and farms can legally use kei trucks on private land. Wondering how they compare to a side-by-side? Read our kei truck vs UTV comparison. They're excellent for property maintenance, hauling supplies, and navigating tight spaces.

Consider Neighboring States: California residents who own property in Nevada, Oregon, or Arizona where kei trucks are legal sometimes keep their vehicles registered in those states for use on that property. Ensure compliance with registration and residency laws.

Join Advocacy Efforts: Organizations like SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) are working on legislation to create pathways for kei truck legalization. Contact your California state legislators to voice support for regulatory changes.

Alternative: Golf Carts and LSVs: If you need a small utility vehicle for community use, consider Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) or golf carts, which have legal pathways for limited street use in some California communities.

Alternative: Compact Trucks: For street-legal utility, consider compact trucks like:

Ford Maverick
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Older Toyota compact pickups
Jeep Gladiator

Parts and Off-Road Modifications: California has a strong car culture and some specialty shops familiar with imported vehicles. For off-road kei trucks, modifications like lift kits, off-road tires, and suspension upgrades are popular.

Connect with Communities: The r/keitruck subreddit has California owners discussing creative legal uses, advocacy efforts, and experiences with enforcement.

Watch for Legal Changes: Colorado passed kei truck legalization in 2025, effective 2027-2028. California legislation could follow if there's enough public interest and advocacy.

Find verified kei truck dealers in California in our dealer directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are kei trucks illegal in California but legal in other states?

California has uniquely strict emissions standards through CARB that exceed federal requirements. Kei trucks manufactured to Japanese standards cannot meet these California-specific requirements. States without CARB-equivalent agencies have more flexibility to register imported vehicles.

Can I register my kei truck in Nevada and drive it in California?

If you're a California resident, California law requires you to register vehicles in California within 20 days of establishing residency. Using out-of-state registration while residing in California is illegal. However, if you legitimately own property and reside in Nevada, you can register there and drive your kei truck when in Nevada.

What if my kei truck is over 25 years old?

The 25-year import rule exempts vehicles from federal EPA and DOT requirements for importation, but it doesn't override California's state-level CARB certification requirements. Age alone doesn't grant road legality in California.

Have any kei trucks been successfully registered for street use in California?

Successful on-road registrations are extremely rare and typically involve extensive modifications including complete engine swaps to CARB-certified engines, full emissions system upgrades, and professional BAR certification. The cost typically exceeds $10,000 and isn't guaranteed to succeed.

What happens if I get caught driving a kei truck on California roads?

You'll likely receive citations for operating an unregistered vehicle and driving without insurance. Your kei truck may be impounded, resulting in towing and storage fees. Fines can range from $500 to $2,000 or more, plus court fees.

Can I drive my kei truck from my property to a nearby trail?

No. Even short distances on public roads are illegal without proper registration. You must transport your kei truck on a trailer to reach OHV trails or other private properties.

Are there any California cities considering allowing kei trucks?

As of 2026, no California cities have moved to allow kei trucks. Vehicle registration and road use are governed by state law, limiting local jurisdictions' ability to create exceptions.

Useful Links

California Department of Motor Vehicles - Official DMV website
California Air Resources Board - CARB emissions information
California OHV Registration - Off-highway vehicle info
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines - Federal import rules
California Bureau of Automotive Repair - BAR certification information
SEMA Action Network - Automotive legislation advocacy
Hagerty Insurance - Specialty vehicle insurance
r/keitruck Community - Owner discussions and advocacy

California's strict prohibition on kei trucks is disappointing for enthusiasts, but understanding the regulatory landscape helps you make informed decisions. While on-road use isn't currently possible, kei trucks can still provide value for off-road recreation, private property use, and agricultural applications. If California's restrictions are deal-breakers, consider exploring our complete state-by-state guide for kei-truck-friendly states like Arizona, Colorado (starting 2027), Oregon, or Montana where these versatile vehicles are legal with reasonable restrictions. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Oregon and Nevada.