Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Illinois (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Illinois?

The legal status of kei trucks in Illinois is complex and evolving. Illinois does not broadly allow kei trucks on all roads, but some enthusiasts have successfully registered them under antique or special-use vehicle classifications. Additionally, Illinois leaves many kei truck decisions to municipalities and counties, creating a patchwork of local regulations that vary significantly across the state.

For years, Illinois treated kei cars, vans, and trucks like any other imported vehicle, issuing regular, unrestricted license plates. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. However, recent developments suggest Illinois may be ramping up efforts to restrict or remove kei vehicles from its roads. The Illinois Secretary of State has stated that unless legislation is passed specifically allowing kei trucks to be registered, they are not eligible for registration as off-highway/non-highway vehicles.

When permitted, kei trucks in Illinois are typically restricted to roads with speed limits of 30-35 mph or lower and must meet Illinois registration and insurance standards. Some owners have successfully registered kei trucks as antique vehicles, which can be driven under local ordinances with speed limit restrictions.

Under federal law, kei trucks must comply with the NHTSA 25-year import rule. Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from federal safety and emissions standards, making them eligible for import as classic vehicles.

Given the uncertainty and evolving regulatory landscape, we strongly recommend contacting your local Illinois Secretary of State facility and municipal authorities before purchasing a kei truck for Illinois road use. Be sure to review our pre-purchase inspection checklist.

How to Register a Kei Truck in Illinois

Registering a kei truck in Illinois is challenging and success is not guaranteed. However, some owners have succeeded using antique or special-use vehicle classifications. Here's the general approach:

Step 1: Verify Local Ordinances Illinois leaves kei truck decisions to municipalities and counties. Before attempting registration:

Contact your city or county clerk's office
Ask about local ordinances regarding mini trucks, low-speed vehicles, or kei trucks
Request written confirmation of permissibility

Step 2: Determine Registration Classification If local ordinances permit kei trucks, you may register under:

Antique Vehicle Registration:

Vehicle must be 25+ years old
Used primarily for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and occasional pleasure driving
May have mileage and use restrictions
Often exempt from emissions testing

Special-Use Vehicle Registration:

Limited to specific road types and speeds
May require additional equipment or modifications

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Application for Vehicle Transaction (Form VSD190)
Original foreign ownership documents with certified English translation
Bill of sale detailing year, model, make, VIN, and purchase price
U.S. Customs Form 3299 (for imported vehicles)
Federal Certification Label (FCL) or Registered Importer (RI) label showing U.S. compliance
Valid Illinois driver's license or state ID
Proof of Illinois auto insurance

Step 4: Complete Safety Equipment Modifications (If Needed) Illinois may require modifications to meet safety standards:

Seat belts for all seating positions
Adequate lighting (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals)
Functional horn and windshield wipers
Mirrors providing adequate rear visibility
Compliance with Illinois equipment standards

Step 5: Pay Required Taxes Complete Motor Vehicle Tax Forms:

Form RUT-25 or RUT-50: Required to calculate and pay necessary vehicle taxes
Illinois charges tax based on purchase price or fair market value

Step 6: Visit Secretary of State Facility Schedule an appointment at an Illinois Secretary of State facility. Bring all documentation and be prepared to explain your vehicle's classification.

Step 7: Pay Registration Fees Illinois registration fees vary by vehicle classification. Antique vehicle registration typically costs less than standard registration.

Step 8: Receive License Plates (If Approved) If approved, you'll receive Illinois license plates appropriate to your registration classification (antique plates, special-use plates, etc.). Illinois requires annual registration renewal.

Important Warning: Many Illinois Secretary of State facilities may decline kei truck registration applications. Be prepared for possible rejection and have alternative plans.

Restrictions and Limitations

Illinois imposes significant restrictions on kei trucks where they're permitted:

Speed and Road Restrictions Kei trucks in Illinois are generally restricted to roads with posted speed limits of 30-35 mph or lower. This prohibition includes:

Interstate highways (I-55, I-57, I-80, I-90, I-94, etc.)
Major state highways with speed limits above 35 mph
Expressways and tollways
Urban arterial roads with higher speed limits

These restrictions significantly limit kei truck utility in Illinois, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area and other urban regions where higher-speed roads are necessary for most travel.

Local Ordinance Variations Because Illinois delegates kei truck decisions to municipalities, regulations vary:

Some cities may prohibit kei trucks entirely
Others may permit them on specific roads or for specific purposes
Enforcement and interpretation differ by jurisdiction

Always verify local regulations in your specific city or county.

Equipment Requirements All Illinois motor vehicles must meet basic equipment standards:

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
Windshield wipers in good working condition
Mirrors (driver's side minimum)
Functional horn
Seat belts for all occupants
Adequate tire tread

Commercial Use Restrictions Using kei trucks for commercial purposes may require:

Commercial vehicle registration
Business operating authority
Additional insurance coverage
Compliance with commercial vehicle regulations

Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Services for guidance.

Insurance Requirements

Illinois requires all motor vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
$20,000 per accident for property damage

Finding Kei Truck Insurance in Illinois If you successfully register a kei truck, most major insurance providers will offer liability coverage:

State Farm
Progressive
Geico
Allstate
Country Financial (strong Illinois presence)

Expect to pay $400-900 annually for basic liability coverage, depending on location (Chicago area vs. rural Illinois), driving record, and coverage limits.

Classic Vehicle Insurance If registered as an antique vehicle, specialty insurers may offer favorable policies:

Hagerty
Grundy
American Collectors Insurance

Classic policies typically:

Require minimum vehicle value ($3,500+)
Provide agreed-value coverage
Restrict daily commuting and annual mileage
Offer lower premiums ($300-600 annually)

Important Note: Some specialty insurers have stopped offering kei truck coverage in certain states due to regulatory uncertainty. For more guidance, see our kei truck insurance guide. Verify coverage availability with your chosen insurer.

Inspection and Emissions

Illinois does not require periodic safety inspections for most passenger vehicles, but commercial vehicles face different requirements:

No Passenger Vehicle Inspection Illinois does not mandate annual safety inspections for standard passenger cars and light trucks. Once registered, your kei truck won't require recurring safety inspections (unless registered commercially).

Commercial Vehicle Inspections If registered as a commercial vehicle or exceeding 8,000 pounds GVWR, annual safety inspections are required at authorized IDOT stations. Inspections cover:

Brakes
Lights
Tires
Steering components
Suspension systems
Exhaust emissions

Most kei trucks weigh well under 8,000 pounds and wouldn't trigger commercial inspection requirements unless registered commercially.

Rebuilt Salvage Inspection If your kei truck has a rebuilt or salvage title, Illinois requires a special inspection before registration. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State for rebuilt vehicle inspection requirements.

No Emissions Testing for Antique Vehicles Vehicles registered as antiques are typically exempt from Illinois emissions testing programs (where applicable in certain counties).

Tips from Illinois Kei Truck Owners

Illinois' restrictive and evolving stance makes kei truck ownership challenging. Here's practical advice:

1. Research Local Ordinances Thoroughly Before purchasing, investigate your specific municipality's regulations:

Contact city clerk and police department
Review local vehicle ordinances
Ask about enforcement history with mini trucks

2. Consider Rural Areas Rural Illinois counties and small towns may be more accommodating than urban areas. If you have flexibility in where you register, rural locations may offer better success rates.

3. Document Everything Keep detailed records of all communications with Secretary of State facilities, local officials, and law enforcement. If you successfully register, your documentation helps other Illinois owners.

4. Join Advocacy Efforts Connect with other Illinois kei truck owners to advocate for clearer, more permissive regulations. Organized advocacy can influence state and local policy.

5. Have Alternative Use Plans Given registration uncertainty, consider alternative uses:

Private property / off-road use only
Farm equipment exemptions (if applicable)
Registration in more permissive neighboring states (if you have residency options)

6. Monitor Legislative Developments Illinois kei truck regulations are evolving. Monitor the Illinois General Assembly website for bills addressing kei trucks or imported vehicles.

7. Connect with Online Communities The r/keitruck subreddit and Japanese Mini Truck Forum include Illinois owners who share experiences, registration successes, and workarounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drive a kei truck on Illinois highways? A: No. Even if registered, kei trucks are generally restricted to roads with speed limits of 30-35 mph or lower, prohibiting highway use.

Q: Do I need a special license to drive a kei truck in Illinois? A: No. A standard Illinois driver's license is sufficient for vehicles permitted on public roads.

Q: Can I register a kei truck as a farm vehicle in Illinois? A: Potentially. Illinois offers farm vehicle registrations with different requirements. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State to explore farm vehicle classification eligibility.

Q: What cities in Illinois are most kei-truck friendly? A: Rural municipalities and small towns generally show more flexibility than Chicago and suburbs. However, each municipality sets its own policies, requiring individual research.

Q: What happens if I get pulled over driving an unregistered kei truck in Illinois? A: Driving an unregistered or improperly registered vehicle can result in tickets, fines, vehicle impoundment, and legal complications. Always ensure proper registration before operating on public roads.

Q: Is Illinois considering legislation to clarify kei truck laws? A: As of early 2025, there's no widely reported legislation specifically addressing kei truck legalization. Monitor the Illinois General Assembly for updates.

Q: Can I register a kei truck in another state and drive it in Illinois? A: Illinois law generally requires Illinois residents to register vehicles in Illinois. Out-of-state registration while residing in Illinois may violate state law. Consult a legal professional before pursuing this option.

Useful Links

Bottom Line: Illinois presents significant challenges for kei truck registration and operation. The state's evolving stance, municipal-level regulations, and speed-based restrictions make kei truck ownership uncertain and limited. Before investing in a kei truck for Illinois use, thoroughly research your local ordinances, contact state and local officials, and consider alternative states with clearer, more permissive laws. Explore our other state guides our complete state-by-state guide. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Wisconsin and Iowa.