Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Maryland (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Maryland?

No, kei trucks are not legal for on-road use in Maryland. Maryland does not allow mini trucks or kei trucks to be registered for operation on public roads. The state has either no legal framework for kei truck registration or has outright banned them from street use, making Maryland one of the most restrictive states for kei truck enthusiasts.

This prohibition applies regardless of the vehicle's age, even though kei trucks 25 years or older are federally legal to import under the NHTSA 25-year import rule. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. While you can legally import a Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, or Daihatsu Hijet into Maryland, the state's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will not issue on-road registration or license plates.

Some sources suggest Maryland classifies kei trucks as low-speed vehicles (LSVs) with strict road-use regulations, but the consensus among multiple sources is clear: Maryland prohibits kei trucks from public road operation entirely.

If you're set on owning a kei truck in Maryland, you'll be limited to private property use—farms, large estates, industrial yards, or private communities where public road regulations don't apply. See how they stack up in our kei truck vs UTV comparison.

How to Register a Kei Truck in Maryland

Maryland does not offer on-road registration for kei trucks. However, if you want to use a kei truck on private property or off-road areas, you have limited options:

Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Registration:

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources handles registration for off-road vehicles. This registration allows use on designated off-road trails and private property but explicitly prohibits public road use.

Requirements for Off-Road Registration:

Proof of ownership (bill of sale, title, or customs documents)
Annual registration with the Department of Natural Resources
ORV registration decal displayed on the vehicle
Maryland does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state off-road registrations

Registration Process:

Complete the ORV registration application through Maryland DNR
Provide proof of ownership
Pay registration fees
Receive ORV decal for display

Costs:

ORV annual registration: Approximately $30-$50 (varies by vehicle type)
Title processing: Not typically required for off-road-only registration

Important Note:

Even with off-road registration, you cannot legally drive your kei truck on Maryland public roads, including:

State highways
County roads
City streets
Parking lots open to the public

Violating this restriction can result in citations, fines, and potential vehicle impoundment.

Restrictions and Limitations

Maryland's restrictions on kei trucks are among the strictest in the United States:

Complete On-Road Prohibition:

No public road use whatsoever
Cannot be registered with the MVA for street legal operation
No exceptions for low-speed zones or residential streets
Interstate highways are prohibited (this is a federal restriction applying nationwide)

Permitted Use Areas:

Private property only
Designated off-road trails (with DNR registration)
Agricultural land
Private industrial facilities
Closed communities with private roads (verify with community regulations)

Equipment Requirements:

While Maryland doesn't register kei trucks for the road, if you're using one on private property, basic safety equipment is still recommended:

Functional lights for night operation
Mirrors for visibility
Seat belts
Horn
Parking brake

Vehicle Classification Issues:

Maryland doesn't have a specific classification that accommodates kei trucks for street use. They don't fit neatly into:

Standard passenger vehicle categories
Low-speed vehicle (LSV) requirements
Motorcycle or moped classifications
Farm vehicle exemptions

This classification gap is a primary reason why Maryland hasn't created a pathway for kei truck registration.

Insurance Requirements

Since Maryland prohibits on-road registration of kei trucks, standard vehicle insurance is not required. However:

For Off-Road Use:

Consider liability coverage even for private property use
Homeowner's or farm insurance policies may extend coverage
Check with your insurance provider about off-road vehicle coverage options

If You Have an Out-of-State Registration:

Some Maryland residents have attempted to maintain registration in more permissive states. This is generally not recommended because:

Maryland residents must register vehicles in Maryland within 60 days
Out-of-state insurance may not provide adequate coverage for Maryland-based vehicles
Law enforcement can cite you for operating an unregistered vehicle in your state of residence
You could face penalties for insurance fraud

For Private Property:

If you're using a kei truck on a farm or business property, consider:

Commercial property liability insurance
Farm equipment coverage
Umbrella policies that cover unusual vehicles

Inspection and Emissions

Maryland does not perform safety inspections or emissions testing for kei trucks because they cannot be registered for on-road use.

Maryland Vehicle Inspection Program:

Maryland has a Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) for on-road vehicles, but kei trucks are excluded from this program due to their ineligibility for registration.

If Regulations Change:

Should Maryland ever allow kei truck registration, they would likely need to comply with:

VEIP emissions testing (for vehicles in designated counties)
Safety equipment verification
VIN inspection to prevent stolen or illegally imported vehicles

Federal Importation Compliance:

Even though Maryland won't register your kei truck for the road, if you're importing one, ensure:

The vehicle meets the 25-year import rule
You have proper U.S. Customs clearance documents
The vehicle has a valid VIN or chassis number

These documents are essential for ownership proof and potential future registration if laws change.

Tips from Maryland Kei Truck Owners

While Maryland prohibits on-road kei truck use, owners have found creative legal uses:

Farm and Rural Property Use:

Kei trucks excel at farm chores: moving hay, hauling feed, checking fences
Their compact size makes them ideal for navigating orchards and tight spaces
The 4x4 versions (like the Suzuki Carry 4WD) handle rough terrain well

Private Community Use:

Some gated communities with private roads allow kei trucks
Always verify with your HOA or community management first
Even private roads connected to public streets may be subject to state law

Industrial and Commercial Property:

Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and large retail properties use kei trucks for internal transport
Perfect for moving tools and materials around construction sites (private property only)
Some airports and military bases use imported mini trucks (with special permits)

Consider Neighboring States:

Pennsylvania has more permissive kei truck laws
Delaware and Virginia have different regulatory frameworks
If you live near a border, research nearby state regulations

Advocacy and Legislative Change:

Connect with kei truck advocacy groups
Consider contacting Maryland state legislators about creating a mini truck framework
Share your use case (farming, small business) with representatives

Alternative Vehicles:

If you need a street-legal compact utility vehicle, consider:
- UTVs that meet Maryland's street-legal requirements (rare but possible)
- Compact pickup trucks (Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz)
- Small commercial vans

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a kei truck in Maryland if it's registered in another state?

Technically, Maryland honors valid out-of-state registrations for visitors. However, if you're a Maryland resident, you must register your vehicle in Maryland within 60 days. Using an out-of-state registration to circumvent Maryland's prohibition is illegal and can result in fines and registration violations.

Are there any exceptions for agricultural or farm use?

No. Maryland's prohibition applies even to farm vehicles. While many states have farm vehicle exemptions, Maryland has not created one for kei trucks. You can use your kei truck on your farm property, but you cannot drive it on public roads to get there.

What if I only drive on back roads or in rural areas?

Regardless of the type of road, operating an unregistered vehicle on any public way in Maryland is illegal. Even if you're unlikely to encounter law enforcement on rural back roads, the legal risk remains. Fines for operating an unregistered vehicle can be substantial, and your vehicle could be impounded.

Can I register a kei truck as an antique or classic vehicle?

Maryland has an Historic Vehicle registration program for vehicles 20 years or older. However, this program requires that the vehicle was originally manufactured for on-road use and meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Since kei trucks weren't designed for the U.S. market, they typically don't qualify.

Do kei trucks meet Maryland's definition of a low-speed vehicle?

Maryland permits low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on certain roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. However, LSVs must be manufactured to comply with federal LSV standards (49 CFR 571.500). Kei trucks, being full-speed vehicles from Japan, don't meet LSV criteria and aren't classified as such.

What are the penalties for driving an unregistered kei truck in Maryland?

Penalties can include:

Fines ranging from $100 to $500 or more
Court costs and fees
Vehicle impoundment
Points on your driver's license
Increased insurance rates (if you have coverage)

Could Maryland's laws change in the future?

Possibly. Several states have reconsidered mini truck bans after pushback from owners and advocacy groups. Massachusetts and Michigan recently reversed restrictive policies. Contacting Maryland legislators and organizing with other owners could create momentum for change.

Useful Links

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration - Official vehicle registration authority
Maryland DNR Off-Road Vehicle Registration - ORV registration process
Maryland Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Emissions testing information
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines - Federal import regulations
Maryland Transportation Code - State transportation laws and regulations
Hagerty Insurance - Specialty vehicle insurance for collectors
r/keitruck Reddit Community - Owner discussions and experiences

Maryland's prohibition on kei trucks is one of the strictest in the nation, but understanding the regulations helps you make informed decisions. If you're exploring kei truck ownership in the Mid-Atlantic, check out our state-by-state guides for Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in and .