Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Hawaii (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Hawaii?

Yes, but with significant restrictions. Kei trucks can be registered and driven legally in Hawaii, but they are limited to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. They are classified as low-speed vehicles (LSVs) under Hawaii law, which prohibits their use on highways, interstates, and most major thoroughfares.

Some sources incorrectly state that Hawaii does not permit kei trucks on public roads at all, treating them as unregulated off-road vehicles. However, as of 2025, importing and registering Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles in Hawaii is fully legal, provided all federal importation and state registration requirements are met. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan.

Under federal regulations, kei trucks must comply with the NHTSA 25-year import rule. Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from DOT and EPA compliance requirements, making them eligible for import as classic vehicles. This means you can legally import a 1999 or older Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Daihatsu Hijet, or Mitsubishi Minicab in 2025.

While registration is possible, Hawaii's restrictions make kei trucks most practical for:

Beach town transportation
Farm and agricultural use
Resort and hospitality operations
Neighborhood errands in low-speed areas
Off-road recreational use

How to Register a Kei Truck in Hawaii

Registering a kei truck in Hawaii follows the standard vehicle registration process with additional requirements for imported vehicles:

Step 1: Import Compliance Ensure your kei truck meets federal import requirements:

Vehicle must be 25+ years old
U.S. Customs Form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles)
U.S. EPA Form 3520-1 (if applicable)
DOT exemption documentation

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Original vehicle title or export certificate from Japan
Bill of sale with purchase price and date
Customs clearance documentation
Valid Hawaii driver's license or state ID
Proof of Hawaii auto insurance
Safety inspection certificate (required before registration)

Step 3: Obtain Safety Inspection Before registering, your kei truck must pass a Hawaii safety inspection. All vehicles on Oahu and other Hawaiian islands require a valid safety inspection certificate.

Schedule an inspection at a certified inspection station. Bring proof of Hawaii motor vehicle insurance, as it's required to obtain the inspection.

Cost: Inspection fees vary by station but typically range from $15-30.

Step 4: Visit County Motor Vehicle Office Hawaii vehicle registration is handled by county, not state. Visit your county's motor vehicle office:

Honolulu (Oahu): City and County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle Division
Maui County: Maui County Department of Finance
Hawaii County: Hawaii County Finance Department
Kauai County: Kauai County Division of Motor Vehicles

Step 5: Complete Registration Application Submit your application with all required documents. The clerk will verify your paperwork, safety inspection certificate, and insurance.

Step 6: Pay Registration Fees Hawaii registration fees are based on vehicle weight. Kei trucks typically weigh 1,500-2,200 pounds, placing them in the lower fee tiers.

Expect to pay approximately $45-100 annually for registration, plus one-time title fees if applicable.

Step 7: Receive License Plates Once approved, you'll receive Hawaii license plates and registration documents. Hawaii requires annual registration renewal and safety inspections.

Restrictions and Limitations

Hawaii imposes specific restrictions on kei trucks due to their low-speed vehicle classification:

Speed and Road Restrictions Kei trucks in Hawaii are limited to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower. This means you cannot legally drive a kei truck on:

Interstate highways (H-1, H-2, H-3 on Oahu)
Major highways with speed limits above 35 mph
Expressways and thoroughfares
Roads posted at 40 mph or higher

This restriction significantly limits kei truck utility on larger islands like Oahu and the Big Island, where highway access is often necessary for inter-community travel. However, kei trucks work well for:

Beach communities with 25 mph zones
Agricultural areas and farm roads
Resort properties and planned communities
Urban neighborhoods with low speed limits

Equipment Requirements All vehicles in Hawaii must meet basic safety equipment standards:

Working headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
Functioning windshield wipers
Adequate mirrors (driver's side minimum)
Operational horn
Seat belts for all seating positions
Adequate tire tread (minimum 2/32 inch depth)

Most Japanese kei trucks meet these requirements, though some older models may need lighting or safety upgrades to pass inspection.

Commercial Use Kei trucks used for commercial purposes (landscaping, beach equipment rental, farm operations) may require:

Commercial vehicle registration
Business permits from your county
Additional insurance coverage

Contact your county motor vehicle office for commercial registration requirements.

Insurance Requirements

Hawaii requires all motor vehicles to carry no-fault auto insurance with minimum coverage:

$20,000 per person for bodily injury
$40,000 per accident for bodily injury
$10,000 per accident for property damage

Additionally, Hawaii requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage:

$10,000 minimum PIP coverage per person

Finding Kei Truck Insurance in Hawaii Most major insurance carriers will provide liability coverage for properly registered kei trucks:

State Farm
Progressive
Geico
Allstate
USAA (for military families)

Because of Hawaii's unique insurance requirements and island geography, expect to pay $600-1,200 annually for basic liability coverage—higher than mainland rates.

Specialty classic car insurers like Hagerty and Grundy may offer policies for kei trucks 25+ years old with agreed-value coverage. These policies typically:

Require minimum vehicle value ($3,500+ for Hagerty)
Restrict daily commuting and annual mileage
Offer lower premiums than standard policies ($300-500 annually)
Provide agreed-value replacement rather than depreciated value

Pro Tip: Given Hawaii's 35 mph restriction, some insurers may offer favorable rates recognizing the reduced risk of high-speed accidents.

Inspection and Emissions

Hawaii requires annual safety inspections for all motor vehicles, including kei trucks:

Annual Safety Inspection All vehicles must pass a safety inspection annually. Hawaii focuses solely on vehicle safety—the state does not have statewide emissions testing requirements, unlike many mainland states.

Inspection Components Hawaii's safety inspection examines:

Brakes: Service brakes, parking brake, antilock system (if equipped)
Lights: Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, license plate light
Tires: Tread depth (minimum 2/32 inch), condition, proper size
Steering and Suspension: Play in steering, ball joints, tie rods
Windshield and Wipers: Cracks, chips, wiper operation
Horn: Audible and functional
Mirrors: Adequate rear visibility
Seat Belts: All positions functional
Exhaust System: Secure mounting, no excessive noise or leaks
Battery and Wiring: Secure battery, no exposed wiring

Inspection Locations Safety inspections are performed at certified inspection stations throughout Hawaii. Many auto repair shops, service stations, and dealerships offer inspection services.

Cost: Expect to pay $15-35 for a safety inspection.

Timing: You can obtain an inspection up to 90 days before your registration expires. However, it's wise to inspect early in case repairs are needed.

Required Documents:

Proof of Hawaii auto insurance
Current vehicle registration (for renewals)

The safety inspection certificate is required for all vehicle registration transactions and to legally operate on Hawaii roads.

Tips from Hawaii Kei Truck Owners

Hawaii's island lifestyle makes kei trucks particularly appealing for the right use cases. Here are practical tips from owners and enthusiasts:

1. Choose the Right Island and Community Kei trucks are most practical on islands and in communities with extensive 25-35 mph zones:

Best: Small towns, beach communities, agricultural areas
Challenging: Honolulu metro area, island-to-island travel requiring highways

2. Use for Short-Range Transportation Embrace kei trucks for what they excel at: short trips in low-speed areas. Beach runs, farmers market visits, neighborhood errands, and farm work are ideal use cases. Wondering how they compare to a side-by-side? Read our kei truck vs UTV comparison.

3. Consider a Second Vehicle Most Hawaii kei truck owners maintain a highway-capable vehicle for longer trips and inter-community travel. Kei trucks complement but rarely replace full-size vehicles in Hawaii.

4. Prepare for Saltair Corrosion Hawaii's ocean air accelerates rust and corrosion. Regularly wash your kei truck (especially the undercarriage), apply rust protection, and inspect for corrosion during annual safety checks.

5. Join Local Communities Connect with other kei truck owners through island-based Facebook groups and the r/keitruck subreddit. Local knowledge about inspection stations, parts sources, and legal updates is invaluable.

6. Source Parts Before You Need Them Kei truck parts aren't readily available in Hawaii. Order common wear items (brake pads, filters, belts) in advance and keep them on hand. Shipping from the mainland or Japan can take weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drive my kei truck on the highway in Hawaii? A: No. Kei trucks are restricted to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Highway use is prohibited.

Q: Do I need a special license to drive a kei truck in Hawaii? A: No. A standard Hawaii driver's license is sufficient for operating kei trucks classified as low-speed vehicles.

Q: Can I take my kei truck between islands on the ferry? A: Hawaii no longer has regular inter-island ferry service. If ferry service resumes, kei trucks would likely be transportable, but you'd still be restricted to 35 mph roads on each island.

Q: Are kei trucks good for Honolulu city driving? A: Only in specific neighborhoods. Many Honolulu roads have speed limits above 35 mph, limiting where you can legally drive. Kei trucks work better in quieter beach communities and rural areas.

Q: Can I register a diesel kei truck in Hawaii? A: Yes. Hawaii does not have emissions testing, so diesel kei trucks are permitted. Ensure the vehicle passes the safety inspection.

Q: What's the process for importing a kei truck directly to Hawaii? A: You can import directly through Hawaii ports (Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului). Work with a customs broker to clear the vehicle, then proceed with safety inspection and registration.

Q: Are there any exemptions to the 35 mph restriction? A: Based on current information, no exemptions are available. Contact the Hawaii Department of Transportation for official guidance.

Useful Links

Bottom Line: Hawaii allows kei truck registration and operation, but restricts them to roads with 35 mph or lower speed limits. This makes kei trucks ideal for beach communities, agricultural use, and neighborhood transportation, but impractical for highway-dependent commuting. If you're looking for a fun, economical island runabout for low-speed areas, a kei truck could be perfect. For broader mainland options, explore our complete state-by-state guide.