Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Minnesota (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Minnesota?

It depends on where you live. Minnesota does not have statewide authorization for kei trucks on public roads. Instead, the state allows counties, cities, and towns to regulate mini trucks through local ordinances under Minnesota Statute § 169.045. This means kei truck legality varies significantly by municipality—what's legal in one county may be prohibited in the next.

Unlike states with clear statewide yes-or-no policies, Minnesota takes a localized approach. This creates a patchwork of regulations across the state, requiring owners to research their specific jurisdiction's rules.

Several Minnesota counties and cities have adopted mini truck ordinances, including Hubbard County, Becker County, and various northern communities. These ordinances typically allow kei trucks on designated local roads with special permits, but restrictions apply.

Even when locally permitted, Minnesota mini trucks face equipment requirements, operational limitations, and permit conditions. And like all states, Minnesota cannot override the federal restriction prohibiting kei trucks from interstate highways.

The NHTSA 25-year import rule allows kei trucks 25 years or older to be legally imported, but Minnesota leaves the on-road decision to local governments. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan.

How to Register a Kei Truck in Minnesota

Registration for kei trucks in Minnesota is a two-step process: first, obtain a permit from your local government, then register with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Step 1: Check Local Ordinances

Before purchasing a kei truck, verify whether your county, city, or town has adopted a mini truck ordinance:

Contact your county highway department or city clerk
Ask if they've passed an ordinance under MN § 169.045
Request a copy of the ordinance to review specific requirements

Step 2: Apply for Local Permit

If your municipality allows mini trucks:

Complete the permit application (form varies by jurisdiction)
Provide proof of ownership (title or bill of sale)
Submit proof of insurance meeting Minnesota requirements
Pay permit fee (typically $20-$50, varies by locality)
Specify which roads you plan to use (must be under local jurisdiction)

Permit Details:

Permits may be issued for up to three years
Permits are renewable
Only valid on roads under the issuing government's jurisdiction (city permits don't cover county roads)
May include specific route or time restrictions

Step 3: Register with Minnesota DVS

Once you have a local permit:

Visit a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office
Complete vehicle registration application
Provide:
- Certificate of title or bill of sale
- Federal import documentation (for imported vehicles)
- Proof of Minnesota insurance
- Local permit authorization
- Valid Minnesota driver's license

Costs Breakdown:

Local permit: $20-$50 (varies by municipality, renewable up to 3 years)
Registration fee: Based on vehicle value (typically $50-$150)
Title fee: $11.25
Filing fee: $10
Plate fee: $6.50 (passenger) or varies (commercial)
Sales tax: 6.5% of purchase price

Counties Known to Allow Mini Trucks:

Hubbard County
Becker County
Cass County (verify current status)
Various northern Minnesota townships

Important Notes:

Without a local permit, you cannot register your kei truck for on-road use
Permits only authorize use on roads under the issuing government's jurisdiction
Driving on non-authorized roads is illegal, even with a permit
Minnesota does not require safety inspections for passenger vehicles

Restrictions and Limitations

Minnesota's mini truck regulations include significant restrictions, even in jurisdictions that permit them:

Geographic Limitations:

Operation limited to roads designated in local ordinances
City permits only valid on city streets
County permits only valid on county roads
Multiple permits required for cross-jurisdictional travel
No interstate highway use (I-35, I-90, I-94) - federal restriction

Speed and Road Type:

Mini trucks typically restricted to roads with speed limits of 40 mph or less
May be prohibited from state highways even within permitting jurisdictions
Local ordinances specify which roads are authorized

Equipment Requirements Under MN § 169.045:

All mini trucks must have:

Headlights and taillights
Turn signal lamps (front and rear)
At least one rearview mirror (some ordinances require two)
Windshield
Seat belts for driver and front passenger positions
Parking brake
Horn

Additional Safety Standards:

Maximum speed capability varies by ordinance (typically 40 mph minimum)
Vehicle must be mechanically sound
Adequate braking system
Proper steering functionality

Operator Requirements:

Valid Minnesota driver's license or instruction permit required
Same traffic laws apply as for standard vehicles
Must carry permit and proof of insurance at all times

Vehicle Definition:

Minnesota ordinances typically define mini trucks as:

Four-wheeled motor vehicles
Designed primarily for load carrying
Maximum speed of 40 mph or higher (varies by ordinance)
Weight typically under 2,500 pounds

Weather Considerations:

Minnesota winters are severe. Consider:

Kei trucks can handle winter conditions, especially 4WD models
Lightweight design affects traction on ice
Factory heaters adequate but not as powerful as U.S. vehicles
Road salt causes rust—undercoating recommended

Insurance Requirements

Minnesota requires all motor vehicle owners to maintain auto insurance, including mini trucks operated under local permits. For more guidance, see our kei truck insurance guide.

Minimum Required Coverage:

$30,000 bodily injury liability per person
$60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$10,000 property damage liability per accident

No-Fault Coverage:

Minnesota is a no-fault state, requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP):

$40,000 in medical expense benefits
$20,000 in non-medical expense benefits
Covers you and passengers regardless of fault

Uninsured Motorist Coverage:

$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
Required in Minnesota

Finding Insurance:

Insuring a kei truck in Minnesota can be challenging due to limited familiarity:

Companies That May Cover Kei Trucks:

Hagerty - Specialty and collector vehicle insurance
Progressive - Some agents handle unusual imports
State Farm - Varies by local agent
Farm Bureau - Good option for rural Minnesota owners
West Bend Mutual - Minnesota-focused insurer worth contacting

Tips for Getting Coverage:

Contact agents directly; online quotes typically won't work
Explain the vehicle is legally imported under federal 25-year rule
Have VIN/chassis number, import docs, and photos ready
Mention you have a local permit under MN § 169.045
Rural addresses may get better rates than Twin Cities

Expected Costs:

$400-$900 per year depending on coverage and location
Rural Minnesota typically cheaper than Minneapolis-St. Paul metro
Your driving record and credit score affect rates
Higher deductibles reduce premiums

Proof of Insurance:

You must provide proof of Minnesota auto insurance:

When applying for your local permit
When registering with Minnesota DVS
If stopped by law enforcement
MN insurance cards are standardized—ensure your insurer provides proper documentation

Inspection and Emissions

Minnesota does not require periodic safety inspections or emissions testing for passenger vehicles, which simplifies kei truck ownership.

No Safety Inspections:

Minnesota discontinued mandatory safety inspections
Vehicle safety is the owner's responsibility
Law enforcement can cite you for equipment violations if stopped

No Emissions Testing:

Minnesota does not have mandatory emissions testing programs
Even in Twin Cities metro area, no smog checks required
Vehicles 25+ years old would be exempt if testing existed

Equipment Compliance:

While there's no formal inspection, your kei truck must meet Minnesota equipment standards:

All lights must function (headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights)
Windshield cannot have significant cracks
Wipers must function
Seat belts must be operational
Brakes must work properly
Tires must have adequate tread
Horn must function

Self-Maintenance:

Since Minnesota doesn't inspect, responsible owners should:

Regularly check all lights and signals
Maintain brakes and steering systems
Monitor tire condition and pressure
Keep windshield clear of cracks
Test horn functionality
Ensure seat belts work properly

Import Compliance:

When importing a kei truck to Minnesota:

Ensure federal importation paperwork is complete (Forms 3520-1 and HS-7)
Vehicle must be 25+ years old to meet NHTSA requirements
Verify VIN or chassis number is accurate
Keep all customs documentation organized

Tips from Minnesota Kei Truck Owners

Minnesota's mini truck community is active, particularly in northern counties. Here's what local owners recommend:

Research Your Area First:

Before buying, confirm your county or city allows mini trucks
Get a copy of the local ordinance
Understand which specific roads are authorized
Some owners live near jurisdictional boundaries and obtain multiple permits

Northern Minnesota:

Counties in northern Minnesota are generally more permissive
Rural communities understand the utility of mini trucks
Great for hunting, fishing access, and cabin maintenance
Forest roads and lake access routes benefit from compact size

Winter Performance:

4WD kei trucks (Suzuki Carry 4WD, Honda Acty 4WD) handle Minnesota winters well
Use winter tires—essential in Minnesota conditions
Keep recovery gear, blankets, and emergency supplies
Rust protection crucial due to road salt

Finding Parts and Service:

Minneapolis-St. Paul has import specialists familiar with Japanese vehicles
Online parts suppliers like Amayama Trading ship to Minnesota
Many standard Japanese car parts are compatible
Join Minnesota JDM import groups for mechanic recommendations

Best Uses in Minnesota:

Farm and ranch operations
Hunting property access
Ice fishing transportation (on designated roads to lakes)
Small town delivery and service businesses
Resort and campground maintenance
Maple syrup operations and tree farms

Legislative Awareness:

Stay informed about potential state-level mini truck legislation
Contact state representatives to support broader legalization
Join advocacy groups working on statewide authorization

Route Planning:

Keep a map of authorized roads
Plan trips to avoid non-permitted routes
Multiple permits required if traveling between jurisdictions
Use GPS with custom waypoints for legal routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my kei truck anywhere in Minnesota with a permit?

No. Your permit only authorizes operation on roads under the issuing government's jurisdiction. A city permit doesn't allow county road use, and vice versa. If you need to travel across jurisdictions, you'll need separate permits from each.

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

No. A standard Minnesota Class D driver's license is sufficient. Kei trucks are four-wheeled motor vehicles, so no special endorsements are needed. Even an instruction permit is acceptable under Minnesota law.

Can I drive on state highways with a local permit?

This depends on the specific ordinance. Most local ordinances restrict mini trucks to roads with speed limits of 40 mph or less, which typically excludes state highways. Check your local ordinance for specific restrictions.

What happens if I drive outside my permitted area?

Operating a mini truck outside authorized roads is illegal and can result in citations, fines, and potential vehicle impoundment. Law enforcement can verify your permit restrictions when stopped.

Can I use a kei truck for my business?

Yes, if your local ordinance permits it. You'll need appropriate business licenses and commercial vehicle insurance. Many northern Minnesota businesses use mini trucks for local operations like landscaping, maintenance, and delivery.

Are kei trucks good in Minnesota winters?

4WD models perform well in Minnesota snow due to their lightweight design and good weight distribution. However, they're not as heavy as full-size trucks, so traction is more limited. Use quality winter tires, drive cautiously, and keep emergency gear. Many northern Minnesota owners use kei trucks year-round successfully.

Can I register a kei truck if my city doesn't have an ordinance?

Technically no. Without a local ordinance and permit, the Minnesota DVS won't register your kei truck for on-road use. You could potentially use it on private property without registration, or work with your local government to adopt a mini truck ordinance.

How do I convince my county to adopt a mini truck ordinance?

Contact your county commissioner or city council. Present examples of neighboring counties with ordinances (Hubbard County, Becker County). Explain your intended use and how mini trucks benefit your community. Attend local government meetings and advocate for adoption.

Useful Links

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services - Vehicle registration authority
Minnesota Statute § 169.045 - Mini truck statutory provisions
Hubbard County Mini Truck Ordinance - Example county ordinance
Minnesota Auto Insurance Requirements - Coverage information
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines - Federal import regulations
Hagerty Insurance - Specialty vehicle insurance
Minnesota House Research: Low-Power and Unconventional Vehicles - Legislative background
r/keitruck Reddit Community - Owner discussions and advice

Minnesota's localized approach to kei truck regulation creates unique challenges but also opportunities for rural and northern residents. If you're considering kei truck ownership in the Upper Midwest, compare our guides for Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in and .