Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Maine (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Maine?

Not currently, but change is coming. As of 2026, Maine does not allow kei trucks to be registered for general on-road use. In 2023, the state stopped issuing new registrations for kei trucks and even revoked existing registrations for vehicles that had been previously registered legally. This put Maine in the category of states actively restricting these Japanese mini trucks.

However, there's promising legislative movement. Maine Legislative Document LD 1071 proposes to permit mini trucks to be operated on public roads within a 100-mile radius of the registered address. The bill defines a mini truck as a four-wheeled motor vehicle with a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour and a maximum weight of 2,000 pounds.

Maine's situation is complicated by federal regulations. Under the NHTSA 25-year import rule, kei trucks that are 25 years or older are federally legal to import. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. Maine's current stance conflicts with this federal allowance, which has frustrated owners of legally imported Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, and Daihatsu Hijet models.

For now, if you're considering purchasing a kei truck in Maine, it's best to wait for legislative clarity or explore neighboring states with more permissive laws. See our complete state-by-state guide for details.

How to Register a Kei Truck in Maine

Currently, the Maine Secretary of State does not process kei truck registrations for on-road use. If LD 1071 passes, the registration process would likely include:

Required Documents:

Certificate of title or bill of sale proving ownership
Proof of financial responsibility (insurance)
Evidence of payment of excise tax to your municipality
Federal customs clearance documents for imported vehicles

Expected Process:

Obtain a safety inspection at a licensed Maine inspection station
Pay excise tax to your town or city (varies by municipality, based on vehicle value)
Present documentation to a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office
Pay registration fee of $35 annually (as specified in LD 1071)
Receive license plates and registration certificate

Costs Breakdown:

Registration fee: $35/year
Title fee: $33
Plate fee: $15 (new plates)
Safety inspection: $12.50-$18.50
Excise tax: Varies by municipality and vehicle value

Keep in mind these are projected costs based on the proposed legislation. Until LD 1071 becomes law, kei truck registration remains unavailable.

Restrictions and Limitations

Under proposed LD 1071, kei trucks would face the following restrictions:

Geographic Limitations:

Operation limited to within 100 miles of the registered address
No interstate highway use (this is a federal restriction applying nationwide)
May not be suitable for long-distance travel across the state

Vehicle Specifications:

Maximum speed of 60 mph
Maximum weight of 2,000 pounds
Must meet the same inspection standards as other motor vehicles

Safety Equipment Requirements:

Functional headlights and taillights
Turn signals
Mirrors
Windshield with working wipers
Seat belts for all occupants
Horn
Parking brake

The 100-mile radius restriction is unique to Maine's proposed law and reflects concerns about the limited highway capabilities of kei trucks. This would allow local use for farm work, property maintenance, and community errands while keeping these vehicles off major highways. Wondering how they compare to a side-by-side? Read our kei truck vs UTV comparison.

Insurance Requirements

Maine requires all registered motor vehicles to carry liability insurance. This is known as "financial responsibility" under Maine law. If kei trucks become registrable, they would need:

Minimum Coverage Requirements:

$50,000 bodily injury per person
$100,000 bodily injury per accident
$25,000 property damage per accident

Finding Insurance:

Insuring a kei truck can be more challenging than a standard vehicle. For more tips, see our kei truck insurance guide. Not all insurance companies are familiar with these Japanese imports. Hagerty, known for classic and specialty vehicle insurance, has been mentioned by kei truck owners as a potential option. Progressive and State Farm may also provide coverage, though you'll need to call and speak with an agent rather than getting an instant online quote.

When shopping for insurance, be prepared to provide:

VIN or chassis number
Import documentation
Photos of the vehicle
Estimated value

Some insurers may classify your Suzuki Carry or Honda Acty as a "utility vehicle" or "specialty vehicle" rather than a standard automobile, which can affect rates.

Inspection and Emissions

Maine requires annual safety inspections for all registered motor vehicles. If kei trucks become legal under LD 1071, they would need to meet these requirements:

Annual Safety Inspection:

Cost: $12.50 for most of Maine, $18.50 in Cumberland County (which includes emissions testing)
Must be performed at a licensed inspection station
Covers brakes, lights, tires, steering, exhaust, windshield, and other safety equipment

Emissions Testing:

Required only in Cumberland County
Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from emissions testing in most states
Since most kei trucks entering the U.S. under the 25-year rule are already exempted by age, this may not apply

Items Checked:

Brake system functionality
All lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights)
Windshield condition (no significant cracks)
Windshield wipers and washers
Horn
Mirrors
Seat belts
Exhaust system
Steering system
Tires (tread depth and condition)

Many kei trucks from Japan come in excellent mechanical condition since Japanese inspection standards (shaken) are notoriously strict. However, you may need to add or upgrade certain equipment to meet Maine's requirements, particularly turn signals and DOT-compliant lighting.

Tips from Maine Kei Truck Owners

While kei trucks aren't currently legal on Maine roads, conversations in communities like Maine Kei and r/keitruck provide insight into what Maine owners have experienced:

Legislative Advocacy:

Stay engaged with LD 1071's progress through the Maine Legislature
Contact your state representatives to voice support for mini truck legislation
Join Maine Kei or similar advocacy groups to stay informed

Preparation for Legalization:

If you own a kei truck that had registration revoked, keep all documentation
Maintain your vehicle in inspection-ready condition
Keep proof of ownership and import paperwork organized

Alternative Uses:

Many Maine owners currently use kei trucks on private property for farm work, hunting camps, and logging operations
Off-road use doesn't require registration or insurance

What to Expect:

Rural areas and small towns tend to be more accepting of mini trucks
Law enforcement response varies by region
Having clear documentation of your vehicle's legal import status is crucial

Border State Considerations:

Some Maine residents have explored registration in New Hampshire or other neighboring states
Be aware that this can create legal complications and insurance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a kei truck on Maine highways?

No. Even if LD 1071 passes, kei trucks would be limited to roads within 100 miles of your registered address and prohibited from interstate highways nationwide. These vehicles typically have a top speed of 50-60 mph, making high-speed highway travel unsafe.

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

No special license would be required. A standard Maine driver's license (Class C) would be sufficient, as kei trucks are four-wheeled motor vehicles similar to cars. No commercial driver's license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement is needed.

Can I use a kei truck for commercial purposes?

If LD 1071 passes, commercial use within the 100-mile radius should be permitted. This could include landscaping, small farm operations, delivery services, or contractor work. You would still need appropriate business licenses and commercial vehicle insurance.

What happens if I get pulled over driving a kei truck now?

Since kei trucks are currently not legal for on-road use in Maine, you could face citations for operating an unregistered vehicle, which can result in fines and potential impoundment. Some owners have reported warnings rather than citations in rural areas, but this is not guaranteed.

Are older kei trucks easier to register?

Under current Maine law, age doesn't matter—all kei trucks are restricted. However, the NHTSA 25-year rule means that kei trucks manufactured before 2001 are federally legal to import. If Maine legislation passes, there may be no age distinction for registration eligibility.

Can I register a kei truck from another state and use it in Maine?

Maine honors valid out-of-state registrations for visitors, but if you're a Maine resident, you're required to register your vehicle in Maine within 30 days of establishing residency. Attempting to maintain an out-of-state registration while living in Maine can result in penalties.

What's the difference between a kei truck and a UTV?

Kei trucks (like the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, and Daihatsu Hijet) are street-legal vehicles in Japan with enclosed cabs, windshields, headlights, and registration as passenger or commercial vehicles. UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles) like side-by-sides are designed for off-road use. Maine has separate regulations for each category.

Useful Links

Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Official registration and titling authority
Maine LD 1071 Bill Text - Proposed mini truck legislation
Maine Kei Organization - Local advocacy group for kei truck legalization
Maine Vehicle Inspection Requirements - Safety inspection standards
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines - Federal import regulations
Hagerty Insurance - Specialty vehicle insurance provider
Maine Legislative Tracking - Follow current bills and legislation
r/keitruck Reddit Community - Discussion and owner experiences

Maine's kei truck laws are in flux, with current restrictions but potential future allowances. If you're a kei truck enthusiast in New England, check out our comprehensive guides for neighboring states like New Hampshire and Vermont. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in .