Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in New Hampshire (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in New Hampshire?

Yes, kei trucks are legal in New Hampshire, but with significant restrictions. According to New Hampshire's low-speed vehicle regulations, Japanese mini trucks like the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, and Daihatsu Hijet can be driven on public roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower. If you're using your kei truck commercially, there's an additional limitation: you must stay within a 25-mile radius of your residence or business location.

These restrictions were established in 2010 and remain unchanged as of 2026. New Hampshire classifies kei trucks as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs), which allows them limited road access while acknowledging their design limitations for highway use.

For vehicles that are 25 years or older, you can take advantage of the NHTSA's 25-year import rule, which exempts them from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. This makes older kei trucks easier to import and register, though state-level restrictions still apply.

How to Register a Kei Truck in New Hampshire

Registering your kei truck in New Hampshire is a two-part process that begins at your local town or city clerk's office. Here's exactly what you need to do:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before visiting your town clerk, prepare the following:

Proof of ownership: Vehicle title or bill of sale (if importing, you'll need customs documentation)
Proof of residency: NH driver's license or utility bill
Odometer disclosure statement: Required for vehicles under 10 years old
Safety inspection certificate: Must be completed before registration (see Inspection section below)
Proof of insurance: Liability insurance meeting NH minimum requirements

Step 2: Complete Safety Inspection

Your kei truck must pass a New Hampshire safety inspection before registration. Take your vehicle to any licensed inspection station to verify it has:

Functional headlights, taillights, and turn signals
Working seat belts for all seating positions
Rearview and side mirrors
Adequate braking system
Horn and windshield wipers

Step 3: Visit Your Town Clerk

New Hampshire requires all motor vehicle registrations (except mopeds) to begin at the town or city clerk in your municipality. Bring all documents listed above.

Step 4: Pay Registration Fees

Registration fees in New Hampshire are based on vehicle weight. Most kei trucks weigh between 1,500-2,000 pounds, putting them in the lower fee brackets.

Expect to pay:

State registration fee: Approximately $40-$60 (weight-based)
Town/city fees: Varies by municipality
Title fee: $25 (if titling for first time)

Step 5: Receive LSV Classification

Your kei truck will be registered as a Low-Speed Vehicle. This classification authorizes operation on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less and imposes the 25-mile commercial radius restriction.

Restrictions and Limitations

Understanding New Hampshire's restrictions is crucial for legal kei truck operation:

Speed Limit Restrictions

Your kei truck is limited to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower. This restriction is strictly enforced. You cannot legally drive on:

Interstate highways
U.S. routes with speed limits above 35 mph
State highways (most have 45-55 mph limits)

Commercial Use Radius

If you use your kei truck for any commercial purpose—transporting goods for business, carrying tools to job sites, or any for-profit activity—you must stay within a 25-mile radius of your residence or business address. This radius is measured by road distance, not as-the-crow-flies.

Equipment Requirements

All registered kei trucks must have:

DOT-approved headlights and taillights
Amber front turn signals
Red rear turn signals and brake lights
Windshield and functional wipers
Horn audible from 200 feet
Seat belts for all passengers
Rearview mirror and at least one side mirror

Many Japanese kei trucks imported from right-hand-drive markets will need modifications to meet these standards, particularly lighting and mirror positioning.

Private Property Exemption

If you're using your kei truck exclusively on private property—such as a farm, large residential lot, or business campus—you don't need to register, insure, or inspect it. See how they stack up in our kei truck vs UTV comparison. This makes kei trucks popular among New Hampshire farmers and property owners.

Insurance Requirements

New Hampshire has unique insurance laws, but kei trucks don't benefit from the state's optional insurance policy. For more guidance, see our kei truck insurance guide.

Mandatory Liability Insurance

All motor vehicles operated on New Hampshire public roads, including kei trucks registered as LSVs, must have liability insurance. You cannot register your kei truck without proof of insurance coverage.

Minimum Coverage Requirements

Your insurance policy must meet New Hampshire's minimum liability limits:

$25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
$50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people
$25,000 for property damage

Finding Insurance for Kei Trucks

Not all insurance companies cover kei trucks. Companies known to insure Japanese mini trucks include:

State Farm: Often covers kei trucks as utility vehicles
Progressive: Has specialty policies for imported vehicles
Hagerty: Offers classic and specialty vehicle insurance that may cover 25+ year old kei trucks
American Modern: Specializes in non-standard vehicles

Call ahead to verify coverage before purchasing your kei truck. Be sure to review our pre-purchase inspection checklist. Some insurers may require photos and a mechanical inspection.

Inspection and Emissions

Safety Inspection Requirements

New Hampshire requires an initial safety inspection before registration for all kei trucks. This inspection verifies that your vehicle meets roadworthiness standards.

Note on Program Changes: New Hampshire has been transitioning its vehicle inspection program. As of early 2026, the NH Department of Safety extended inspection deadlines to April 10, 2026 for vehicles with inspections expiring before March 2026. The elimination primarily affects passenger cars, but kei trucks as LSVs may still require initial inspection.

What Inspectors Check

Licensed inspection stations examine:

Brake system function and pad thickness
Steering and suspension components
Tire condition and tread depth (minimum 2/32")
All lights and signals
Seat belt condition and mounting
Windshield condition (no cracks in driver's sight line)
Horn operation
Mirror positioning and condition

Emissions Testing

New Hampshire does not require emissions testing for any vehicles, including kei trucks. This is a significant advantage, as many imported kei trucks would struggle to meet emissions standards in states like California or New York.

Age-Based Exemptions

Vehicles over 25 years old benefit from federal import exemptions under the NHTSA 25-year rule, but must still pass New Hampshire's safety inspection requirements.

Tips from New Hampshire Kei Truck Owners

Based on community feedback and dealer recommendations, here are practical tips for owning a kei truck in the Granite State:

Best Areas for Kei Truck Use

New Hampshire's rural towns and smaller cities are ideal for kei trucks. Consider:

Farmland communities: Many agricultural roads have 35 mph or lower limits
Small town centers: Perfect for local deliveries within the 25-mile radius
Lake regions: Great for camp maintenance and shoreline property work
White Mountain region: Useful for ski resort maintenance and local errands

Working with Local Officials

Town clerks in rural New Hampshire are generally familiar with kei trucks and the LSV registration process. Larger cities like Manchester and Nashua may have less experience, so bring documentation showing the 35 mph restriction law.

Seasonal Considerations

New Hampshire winters can be harsh. Kei truck owners recommend:

Installing a cab heater (many JDM models lack adequate heating)
Using winter tires rated for snow and ice
Storing in a garage to prevent battery issues in sub-zero temperatures
Applying rust prevention treatment due to road salt

Dealers and Importers

Granite State Imports is a New Hampshire-based kei truck dealer that understands local registration requirements and can guide you through the process. Find importers near you in our dealer directory.

Modifications to Consider

Common upgrades for New Hampshire kei trucks include:

LED light bar for improved visibility
Aftermarket seat belts if originals don't meet DOT standards
Upgraded mirrors for better visibility with right-hand-drive models
Bed liner or dump bed conversion for work use

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my kei truck on Route 101 or I-93?

No. New Hampshire restricts kei trucks to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Interstate highways and most state routes exceed this limit and are off-limits to LSVs.

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

No special license is required. A standard New Hampshire driver's license (Class D) is sufficient to operate a kei truck registered as an LSV.

Can I use my kei truck for snow plowing?

Yes, as long as you stay on roads with 35 mph or lower speed limits. Many New Hampshire owners use kei trucks with plow attachments for driveways and private roads. If plowing commercially, remember the 25-mile radius restriction.

What if I get pulled over on a road faster than 35 mph?

Operating an LSV on roads exceeding the speed limit restriction can result in fines and potential vehicle impoundment. Officers have discretion, but don't risk it—plan routes accordingly.

Are kei vans (like Honda Acty van) legal too?

Yes. The same LSV restrictions apply to kei vans, kei cars, and kei trucks. All must meet safety inspection requirements and follow the 35 mph speed limit rule.

Can I register a brand-new kei truck from Japan?

New kei trucks face challenges because they don't meet current FMVSS standards. The 25-year rule only applies to vehicles manufactured 25+ years ago. For newer imports, expect significant modification requirements or potential registration denial.

What happens if my town clerk says they can't register it?

Town clerks must follow state DMV guidelines. If you encounter resistance, politely reference the LSV classification rules and the 2010 regulations allowing kei trucks on 35 mph roads. You can also contact the NH Division of Motor Vehicles at (603) 227-4000 for clarification.

Useful Links

Here are essential resources for New Hampshire kei truck owners:

NH Division of Motor Vehicles - Official DMV website for registration information
Vehicle Registrations - New registration process details
Vehicle Inspections - Safety inspection requirements and licensed stations
NHTSA Importing a Vehicle - Federal import rules and 25-year exemption
Granite State Imports FAQ - Local dealer specializing in kei trucks
Hagerty Insurance - Specialty insurance for imported and classic vehicles
r/keitruck Reddit - Community discussions and owner experiences

New Hampshire's approach to kei trucks strikes a balance between allowing these practical vehicles while maintaining safety standards. With proper registration and understanding of the restrictions, kei trucks can be valuable assets for rural property owners, small businesses, and enthusiasts throughout the Granite State. For information on kei truck laws in other states, check out our comprehensive complete state-by-state guide. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Maine and Vermont.