Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Indiana (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Indiana?

Yes, kei trucks are fully legal in Indiana. The state permits mini-trucks on public roads and highways with no special speed restrictions, provided the owner has a valid title and registration. You can drive your Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, or Daihatsu Hijet on city streets, county roads, and even interstate highways in Indiana—making it one of the most kei-truck-friendly states in the Midwest.

Indiana passed legislation allowing mini-trucks on roads, defining them under Indiana Code 9-13-2-103.1 as trucks powered by an internal combustion engine with a piston or rotary displacement of not less than 660 cubic centimeters (cc) that can be operated on a highway. This definition perfectly captures Japanese kei vehicles.

Unlike many states that restrict kei trucks to roads under 35 or 45 mph, Indiana has no such limitation. As long as your vehicle is titled and registered with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), you're free to roam. For federal import requirements, remember that kei trucks under 25 years old must meet [NHTSA](https://www. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle) standards—though most imported kei trucks qualify under the 25-year exemption rule.

How to Register a Kei Truck in Indiana

Registering your kei truck in Indiana requires completing a special title application process since these vehicles fall under the "mini-truck" classification.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Gather Required Documents

Bill of sale or proof of ownership
Official English translation of any foreign ownership documents
Valid Indiana driver's license or state ID
Proof of Indiana auto insurance

2. Complete the Mini-Truck Title Application Packet

For vehicles being titled as a mini-truck for the first time in Indiana, you must complete a Mini-Truck Title Application Packet and mail it to the BMV for processing. The packet includes detailed instructions and a comprehensive list of required documents.

3. Emissions Exemption (If Applicable)

If you're registering in Lake or Porter County (the only counties requiring emissions testing), you'll need a Vehicle Inspection Report declaring your mini-truck as emissions exempt. This is only required at initial registration—subsequent renewals don't need proof of exemption.

4. Submit Your Application

Mail your completed application packet to the address provided in the BMV instructions. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

5. Pay Registration Fees

The registration fee for a mini-truck in Indiana is $30.35 for standard registration. Additional fees may apply for personalized plates or special services.

Registration Costs Breakdown

Mini-truck registration: $30.35
Title fee: $15
Excise tax: Varies by vehicle value and county
Total estimated cost: $75-$150 (depending on vehicle value)

Restrictions and Limitations

Indiana is remarkably permissive when it comes to kei truck regulations. Here are the key rules:

Road Access

Permitted: City streets, county roads, state highways, and interstate highways
No speed limit restrictions: Unlike many states, Indiana doesn't cap kei trucks at specific speed limits
No road type restrictions: You can legally drive on any public road in the state

Equipment Requirements

Your kei truck must meet standard vehicle safety equipment requirements:

Working headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
Functioning windshield wipers
Adequate mirrors (side and rearview)
Seat belts at all designated seating positions
Horn
Proper exhaust system

Most imported kei trucks already meet these requirements, though you may need to add DOT-compliant mirrors or lighting if your specific model lacks them.

Vehicle Specifications

Your mini-truck must have an engine displacement of at least 660cc to qualify under Indiana law. New to kei vehicles? Start with our beginner's guide to kei trucks. Fortunately, virtually all Japanese kei trucks meet this requirement, as 660cc is the standard kei vehicle engine size.

Insurance Requirements

Yes, insurance is required. Indiana law mandates that all registered vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage. For mini-trucks, the same requirements apply as for any passenger vehicle:

Minimum Required Coverage

Bodily injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Property damage: $25,000 per accident

Finding Insurance for Kei Trucks

Many major insurance companies will cover kei trucks in Indiana, though you may need to shop around. For more tips, see our kei truck insurance guide. Providers known to insure mini trucks include:

State Farm (often classifies as utility vehicle)
Progressive (may require photos and VIN verification)
Hagerty (excellent for classic or collector kei trucks over 25 years old)
Local farm bureau insurers (often familiar with utility vehicles)

When getting quotes, specify that your vehicle is registered as a mini-truck with the Indiana BMV. Having your registration documents ready speeds up the process.

Inspection and Emissions

Indiana keeps things simple when it comes to inspections.

Safety Inspections

Not required. Indiana doesn't mandate periodic safety inspections for passenger vehicles or mini-trucks. However, the BMV does require a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously titled in Indiana to verify the vehicle identification number.

Emissions Testing

Required only in Lake and Porter Counties. If you live in or register your kei truck in these northern Indiana counties (which include cities like Hammond, Gary, and Valparaiso), you'll need emissions testing.

Good news for kei truck owners: Mini-trucks are declared emissions exempt. You'll need to obtain a Vehicle Inspection Report from an emissions test site confirming this exemption, but only when registering for the first time. All subsequent renewals don't require this documentation.

Everywhere else in Indiana: No emissions testing required.

Antique Vehicle Exemption

Kei trucks over 25 years old may qualify for antique vehicle registration, which can reduce registration fees and provide additional exemptions. Check with your local BMV branch for eligibility requirements.

Tips from Indiana Kei Truck Owners

Based on experiences shared by Indiana mini-truck owners:

Start the title process early. The BMV's mini-truck title application takes longer than standard vehicle registration because it requires special processing. Submit your packet as soon as you acquire your vehicle.

Get insurance quotes before you buy. While most insurers will cover kei trucks in Indiana, rates vary significantly. Shopping around can save you hundreds annually.

Join local kei truck communities. The r/keitruck subreddit has active Indiana owners who share county-specific tips and recommendations for BMV branches that process mini-truck titles efficiently. For a detailed comparison, see our kei truck vs UTV guide.

Keep your registration paperwork in the vehicle. Since kei trucks are uncommon, some law enforcement officers may not be familiar with them. Having your registration readily available helps explain that your vehicle is legally registered as a mini-truck.

Consider LED light upgrades. While not legally required, upgrading to brighter LED headlights and taillights improves visibility and safety, especially on highways.

Rural counties are often smoother. Some owners report that BMV branches in rural counties are more familiar with farm utility vehicles and process mini-truck titles more efficiently than urban locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my kei truck on the interstate in Indiana?

Yes! Indiana allows properly registered mini-trucks on all public roads, including interstate highways, with no speed restrictions. This sets Indiana apart from many states that limit kei trucks to local roads.

Do I need a special license to drive a kei truck?

No. A standard Indiana driver's license is sufficient. Kei trucks don't require commercial driver's licenses or special endorsements.

Can I use my kei truck for commercial purposes?

Yes, as long as it's registered and insured appropriately. If you're using it for business purposes, notify your insurance company to ensure you have proper commercial coverage.

What if I get pulled over?

Keep your registration documents in the vehicle. Most officers will simply verify that your mini-truck is properly titled and registered. Since Indiana explicitly allows mini-trucks, you shouldn't encounter legal issues if your paperwork is in order.

Are there any cities or counties that ban kei trucks?

No. State law preempts local ordinances, so individual cities or counties cannot ban properly registered mini-trucks from public roads.

How long does it take to get a title and registration?

The BMV's processing time for mini-truck title applications is typically 2-4 weeks. You may receive a temporary registration to use while waiting for your permanent documents.

Can I convert a kei van or passenger vehicle?

Indiana's statute specifically references "mini-trucks" as trucks with cargo beds. Kei vans or passenger vehicles may require different registration procedures. Contact the BMV to clarify your specific vehicle's classification.

Useful Links

Indiana's kei truck laws are among the friendliest in the United States, offering full road access without restrictive speed limits. If you're considering importing a Japanese mini truck, Indiana is an excellent state to call home. For information on kei truck regulations in neighboring states, check out our complete state-by-state guide. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Michigan and Ohio.