Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Montana (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Montana?

Yes, kei trucks are legal in Montana and can be driven on public roads, including highways and interstates, with minimal restrictions. Montana has become one of the most popular states for kei truck registration due to its vehicle-friendly policies and straightforward registration process for imported vehicles. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan.

Montana permits kei trucks on all roads as long as they meet basic safety standards. Popular models like the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Daihatsu Hijet, and Mitsubishi Minicab can be registered and driven throughout the state without the severe speed or road-type restrictions found in many other jurisdictions.

However, there's an important caveat: while Montana state law is permissive, local governments can regulate kei trucks within their jurisdictions. This means some cities or counties may impose additional restrictions, though most of Montana remains fully accessible to properly registered kei trucks.

Montana's reputation for accommodating imported vehicles, combined with options like bonded titles and permanent registration plates, makes it a popular choice for kei truck enthusiasts nationwide, even those who don't live in the state.

How to Register a Kei Truck in Montana

Montana registration for kei trucks is handled through the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, either at county treasurer's offices or through specialized registration services.

Required Documents

To register your kei truck in Montana, you'll need:

Application for Certificate of Title (MV-1): Standard Montana title application
Bill of sale: Notarized proof of purchase with price, VIN, and buyer/seller details
Import documentation: Customs forms, HS-7 declaration, and export certificate from Japan
VIN inspection (Form MV-20): Completed by law enforcement or authorized inspector
Photographs: Clear photos of the vehicle, VIN plate, and odometer reading
Proof of Montana residency: Driver's license, utility bill, or Montana LLC documentation
Proof of insurance: Meeting Montana's minimum liability requirements

VIN Inspection Requirement

Montana requires a VIN inspection for all out-of-state and imported vehicles. This inspection verifies the vehicle identification number matches your documentation and ensures the vehicle isn't stolen.

The MV-20 VIN inspection form must be completed by:

Montana law enforcement officer
County treasurer's office staff
Authorized VIN inspection personnel

Bring your import paperwork and the vehicle to any Montana Highway Patrol office or county treasurer for this inspection. There's typically no fee for VIN verification.

Bonded Title Process

If you lack complete title documentation for your kei truck, Montana offers a bonded title (surety bond) option using Form MV-10. This is particularly useful for imported vehicles with unclear title history.

The bonded title process:

Apply for a bond equal to 1.5x the vehicle's assessed value
Submit Form MV-10 (Application for Break/Bond Title)
Provide all available ownership documentation
Pay bonded title fees
Receive title after bond is approved

Bonded titles typically cost $100-$300 depending on the vehicle's value and are valid after a 3-year waiting period, after which you receive a clean title.

Registration Costs

Montana registration fees are based on vehicle age, weight, and type:

Title fee: $10.50
Registration fee: $28.50-$217 depending on vehicle age (older vehicles cost less)
VIN inspection: Free to $10 depending on location
Permanent plate option: Available for vehicles 11+ years old
County fees: Vary by county, typically $5-$15

Many kei trucks qualify for permanent registration since they're often 11+ years old and under 12,000 pounds GVWR. Permanent plates require only a one-time registration fee with no annual renewal, making Montana registration particularly attractive.

Total first-time registration costs typically range from $100-$350 depending on age, weight, and whether you qualify for permanent plates.

Timeline

Montana doesn't have a strict registration deadline for new residents, though you should register within a reasonable timeframe. For vehicles purchased in Montana, register within 60 days to avoid potential late fees.

Restrictions and Limitations

Montana imposes fewer restrictions on kei trucks than most states, but some limitations apply.

Local Ordinance Variations

While Montana state law permits kei trucks on all roads, individual cities and counties can create local ordinances restricting or regulating them. Before assuming unrestricted access, check with local governments in areas where you plan to operate your kei truck.

Most rural Montana counties have no additional restrictions beyond state law. Urban areas like Missoula, Billings, and Great Falls may have specific regulations.

Speed and Road Access

Montana state law doesn't impose specific speed limits on kei trucks beyond standard traffic laws. However:

Most kei trucks have top speeds of 55-65 mph
Montana interstate highways have speed limits up to 80 mph
Exercise caution on high-speed roads where traffic moves significantly faster than your kei truck's capabilities

Equipment Requirements

Montana requires standard safety equipment for all vehicles:

Working headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
Functional horn
Windshield wipers
Mirrors providing adequate rear visibility
Seatbelts for all seating positions
Adequate brakes meeting stopping distance requirements

Right-hand drive configuration (common in Japanese kei trucks) is legal in Montana and throughout the United States.

Out-of-State Use Considerations

Many kei truck owners register vehicles in Montana while residing elsewhere. While Montana allows this, be aware:

Your home state may require you to register vehicles where you primarily use them
Some states actively pursue enforcement against "Montana plate" vehicles
Consult legal counsel if registering in Montana while residing elsewhere

Insurance Requirements

Montana requires liability insurance for all motor vehicles with minimum coverage of:

Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident

Finding Insurance

Montana's vehicle-friendly reputation extends to insurance options. Companies that typically insure Montana-registered kei trucks include:

State Farm: Often covers kei trucks registered in Montana
Progressive: Insures specialty and imported vehicles
Grundy Insurance: Specializes in collector and specialty vehicles
Hagerty: Industry leader in classic vehicle insurance for kei trucks 25+ years old
American Modern: Covers unusual and hard-to-insure vehicles

Annual liability insurance premiums typically range from $300-$700 depending on the vehicle's value, your driving record, and whether you qualify for classic vehicle rates. For more guidance, see our kei truck insurance guide.

Inspection and Emissions

Montana does not require vehicle safety inspections or emissions testing, which significantly simplifies kei truck ownership compared to states with mandatory inspection programs.

No Annual Inspections

Unlike states that require periodic safety inspections, Montana has no such requirement. Once registered, your kei truck doesn't need annual or biennial inspections to maintain registration.

No Emissions Testing

Montana doesn't require emissions testing for any passenger vehicles or light trucks, including kei trucks. This makes Montana particularly attractive for owners of imported vehicles that might struggle to pass stringent emissions programs in other states. See our complete state-by-state guide for details.

VIN Inspection Only

The only inspection required is the one-time VIN verification during initial registration. After that, there are no recurring inspection obligations.

Tips from Montana Kei Truck Owners

Based on research and experiences from Montana kei truck owners:

Permanent plates save money long-term: If your kei truck is 11+ years old and under 12,000 pounds GVWR, pay for permanent registration upfront. You'll never pay registration fees again, making Montana registration cost-effective over years of ownership.

Use registration services for out-of-state owners: If you don't live in Montana, specialized services like Montana Tags and Dirt Legal handle the registration process remotely, including setting up Montana LLCs for legal registration.

Get comprehensive import documentation: The more documentation you have (Japanese export certificate, customs forms, bill of lading), the smoother your registration process. Montana handles imports better than most states, but documentation still matters.

VIN inspection is easy: Don't stress about the VIN inspection. Most Montana law enforcement and county offices complete it quickly without hassle.

Consider classic vehicle insurance: Kei trucks 25+ years old often qualify for classic vehicle insurance with lower premiums and agreed-value coverage from companies like Hagerty.

Plan for highway speed limitations: While legally allowed on Montana's 80 mph interstates, most kei trucks struggle at these speeds. Plan routes using two-lane highways where traffic moves closer to your truck's comfortable cruising speed.

Join owner communities: Montana has active kei truck and imported vehicle communities. Connect with other owners through Reddit's r/keitrucks to learn about Montana-specific tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my kei truck on Montana highways and interstates?

Yes, Montana law permits kei trucks on all public roads, including interstate highways. However, consider your vehicle's capabilities—most kei trucks top out around 55-65 mph, which can be uncomfortable on Montana's 80 mph interstates.

Do I need to live in Montana to register a kei truck there?

Montana law requires proof of residency for registration. Many out-of-state owners establish residency through Montana LLCs formed specifically for vehicle registration. Consult legal counsel about the legality of this approach in your home state.

What if I can't get a title for my imported kei truck?

Montana offers a bonded title process using Form MV-10. You purchase a surety bond and apply for a bonded title, which converts to a clean title after three years. This is one of Montana's most attractive features for imported vehicle owners.

How long does Montana kei truck registration take?

With complete documentation, in-person registration at a county treasurer's office can be completed in one visit. Remote registration through services typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on documentation completeness.

Can I use my kei truck commercially in Montana?

Yes, though commercial use may require commercial registration and insurance. Most kei truck owners register as personal vehicles even when used for light commercial purposes like farm work or small business deliveries.

Are there Montana counties that don't allow kei trucks?

While Montana state law is permissive, local governments can regulate kei trucks. Most Montana counties allow them without restriction. Contact county governments in urban areas to confirm local ordinances before purchasing.

What happens if I get pulled over in my Montana-registered kei truck?

If properly registered with valid insurance, you should have no issues in Montana. Some law enforcement may be unfamiliar with kei trucks and want to verify registration legitimacy. Always carry registration, insurance proof, and your driver's license.

Useful Links

Montana's vehicle-friendly policies, permanent registration option, and bonded title process make it one of the best states for kei truck ownership. Whether you're a Montana resident or considering registration from out-of-state, the process is more straightforward than in most jurisdictions. For information about kei truck laws in other states, check out our comprehensive state-by-state guides. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in North Dakota and South Dakota.