Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Mississippi (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Mississippi?

Yes, kei trucks are fully legal in Mississippi for on-road use. The state permits Japanese mini trucks like the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Daihatsu Hijet, and Mitsubishi Minicab on all public roads, provided they meet basic registration and insurance requirements. Unlike many states that restrict kei trucks to certain road types or speed zones, Mississippi allows complete road access once properly registered.

The primary regulatory hurdle for Mississippi kei truck owners is establishing clear ownership documentation, particularly for imported vehicles. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. Mississippi requires a $100 title bond for vehicles without standard U.S. titles, but this is straightforward compared to states that ban kei trucks outright.

Under federal law, vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) through the 25-year import rule, making classic kei trucks from 2001 and earlier much easier to register in Mississippi and throughout the United States.

How to Register a Kei Truck in Mississippi

Registration happens at your local county Tax Collector's office. Mississippi processes kei trucks as standard pickup trucks for registration purposes, which simplifies the process considerably.

Required Documents

To register your kei truck in Mississippi, gather these documents:

Notarized bill of sale showing purchase price, VIN, and buyer/seller information
Title bond ($100 for vehicles without U.S. title documentation)
Application for Mississippi title and registration (obtained at Tax Collector's office)
Valid driver's license or state ID
Proof of insurance meeting Mississippi's minimum liability requirements
Foreign ownership documents such as export certificate or Japanese registration papers
VIN verification for the vehicle identification number

Registration Costs

Mississippi vehicle registration fees for pickup trucks are relatively affordable:

Pickup truck registration: $7.20 base fee
Title bond: $100 (one-time fee for imported vehicles)
Ad valorem tax: Based on vehicle value and county of residence
Sales tax: Applied if purchased from a dealer or within 30 days
Processing fees: Vary by county, typically $5-$10

Total first-time registration costs typically range from $150-$250 depending on your county and the vehicle's assessed value.

Timeline

You must register your kei truck within 30 business days of purchase. Late registration may result in penalties and late fees assessed by your county Tax Collector.

Restrictions and Limitations

Mississippi imposes minimal restrictions on kei trucks compared to most states. Once registered, your kei truck has the same road access as any pickup truck.

Speed and Road Access

There are no specific speed restrictions for kei trucks in Mississippi. You can legally drive on:

Local roads and streets
State highways
Interstate highways

That said, most kei trucks have top speeds of 55-65 mph, which may make highway driving less comfortable. Exercise caution on high-speed interstates where traffic moves at 70+ mph.

Equipment Requirements

Your kei truck must have functional safety equipment to pass registration:

Working headlights, taillights, and turn signals
Side mirrors (minimum of driver's side mirror)
Windshield wipers
Horn
Seatbelts for all occupants

Local Ordinances

While state law permits kei trucks, individual municipalities may have additional restrictions. Check with your city or county government if you plan to operate in urban areas, though enforcement of local restrictions on properly registered vehicles is rare.

Insurance Requirements

Mississippi requires liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roads, including kei trucks. For more guidance, see our kei truck insurance guide. Minimum coverage requirements are:

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

Finding insurance for kei trucks can be challenging since many major carriers are unfamiliar with these vehicles. Companies known to insure kei trucks include:

State Farm: Often willing to insure kei trucks registered in Mississippi
Progressive: Covers many specialty and imported vehicles
Hagerty: Specializes in classic and specialty vehicle insurance for kei trucks 25+ years old
Grundy Insurance: Offers agreed-value policies for vintage kei trucks

Expect to pay $400-$800 annually for liability coverage, with classic vehicle policies sometimes offering lower rates for vehicles with limited mileage.

Inspection and Emissions

Mississippi does not require vehicle safety inspections or emissions testing for standard passenger vehicles and trucks. This makes kei truck ownership significantly easier than in states with mandatory inspection programs.

Window Tint Exception

The only inspection requirement in Mississippi applies to vehicles with tinted windows. If your kei truck has aftermarket window tinting, you must have the tint inspected by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to ensure it meets legal standards before registration.

Legal window tint limits in Mississippi:

Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed above manufacturer's AS-1 line
Front side windows: 28% VLT (visible light transmission) minimum
Back side windows: 28% VLT minimum
Rear window: 28% VLT minimum

VIN Verification

While not technically an "inspection," your county Tax Collector may verify the VIN on your kei truck matches the documentation you provide. This is standard procedure for imported vehicles and prevents title fraud.

Tips from Mississippi Kei Truck Owners

Based on research and owner experiences:

Get the title bond early: The $100 title bond requirement is straightforward, but processing can take a few weeks. Start this process before you need to register the vehicle.

Rural counties move faster: Smaller county Tax Collector offices often have shorter wait times and staff more familiar with unusual vehicle registrations than urban offices. For a detailed comparison, see our kei truck vs UTV guide.

Bring comprehensive documentation: Even if not all documents are required, bringing your import paperwork, customs forms, and foreign registration helps establish legitimacy and speeds up processing.

Insurance before registration: Secure insurance quotes before attempting registration. Some carriers need a few days to research coverage for kei trucks.

Consider classic plates: If your kei truck is 25+ years old, you may qualify for Mississippi antique or classic vehicle plates, which offer permanent registration with no annual renewal.

Highway driving considerations: While legal on all roads, kei trucks have small engines (typically 660cc). New to kei vehicles? Start with our beginner's guide to kei trucks. Plan longer trips carefully and use highways during off-peak hours if you're uncomfortable with high-speed traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my kei truck on Mississippi highways?

Yes, Mississippi law permits kei trucks on all public roads, including state highways and interstate highways, once properly registered and insured. However, consider your comfort level with highway speeds, as most kei trucks top out around 55-65 mph.

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

No special license is required. Your standard Mississippi Class D driver's license is sufficient for operating a kei truck under 26,000 pounds GVWR (which includes all kei trucks).

How long does kei truck registration take in Mississippi?

If you have all required documents, same-day registration is typical at most county Tax Collector offices. The title bond may add 2-3 weeks to the process if you're starting from scratch.

Can I use my kei truck for commercial purposes in Mississippi?

Yes, kei trucks can be used commercially in Mississippi. You'll need appropriate commercial insurance and may need to register the vehicle commercially depending on how you use it. Consult your county Tax Collector for commercial registration requirements.

What if I get pulled over in my kei truck?

If properly registered and insured, being pulled over in a kei truck is no different than any other vehicle. Have your registration, insurance, and driver's license ready. Some officers may be unfamiliar with kei trucks and want to verify the registration is legitimate.

Are left-hand drive kei trucks easier to register than right-hand drive?

Mississippi makes no distinction between left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles for registration purposes. Right-hand drive is legal in all 50 states for non-commercial use.

Do older kei trucks have registration advantages in Mississippi?

Yes, kei trucks 25 years or older benefit from federal import exemptions and may qualify for Mississippi antique vehicle registration, which offers reduced fees and permanent plates.

Useful Links

Mississippi's straightforward approach to kei truck registration makes it one of the more accessible states for owners of these versatile Japanese imports. If you're considering kei truck ownership in another state, check out our comprehensive state-by-state guides to understand the regulations where you live. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Alabama and Tennessee.