Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in North Dakota (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in North Dakota?

Yes, kei trucks are legal in North Dakota with specific restrictions. The Peace Garden State allows Japanese mini trucks like the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, and Daihatsu Hijet to operate on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or less. This relatively permissive stance makes North Dakota one of the more kei-truck-friendly states in the nation, particularly beneficial for the state's extensive agricultural community. See how they stack up in our kei truck vs UTV comparison.

Unlike neighboring Minnesota, which has varying county-level restrictions, North Dakota applies its rules statewide through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). The state has no specific statutes explicitly mentioning "kei trucks," meaning these vehicles must comply with general vehicle standards for safety, equipment, and registration—similar to any other motor vehicle.

North Dakota's 55 mph speed limit allowance is notably more generous than states like New Hampshire (35 mph) or Kansas (50 mph), providing greater utility for rural residents and farmers who need to travel on county highways connecting properties and towns.

Vehicles 25 years or older benefit from the NHTSA 25-year import rule, which exempts them from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) compliance for import purposes. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. This makes older kei trucks easier to bring into the country, and North Dakota's relatively straightforward registration process means you can get them on the road without excessive bureaucracy.

How to Register a Kei Truck in North Dakota

Registering a kei truck in North Dakota follows the standard motor vehicle registration process. Here's the complete step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before visiting a motor vehicle office, prepare:

Proof of ownership: Vehicle title, Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), or bill of sale
Proof of identity: Valid driver's license or state-issued ID
Proof of insurance: North Dakota liability insurance certificate meeting minimum requirements
Import documentation (if applicable): U.S. Customs forms, bill of lading, importation paperwork
Odometer disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old
Previous registration (if applicable): Out-of-state title or registration

Step 2: Complete Safety Inspection

North Dakota requires a general safety inspection when registering any vehicle for the first time in the state. This is a one-time requirement—no annual inspections are needed for registration renewal.

Take your kei truck to a licensed inspection station where technicians will verify:

Functional headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
Working seat belts for all seating positions
Rearview and side mirrors providing adequate visibility
Adequate braking system
Horn and windshield wipers
Tire condition and tread depth
Exhaust system (no excessive leaks)
General roadworthiness

The inspection ensures your imported kei truck meets basic safety standards. Many Japanese imports need minor modifications like additional mirrors (due to right-hand drive configuration) or upgraded lighting to pass.

Step 3: Visit a Motor Vehicle Office

You can register your vehicle at any NDDOT motor vehicle office or authorized deputy registrar office. Appointments are recommended—schedule through the Online Scheduler or call 1-855-633-6835.

Bring all documents from Step 1 plus your safety inspection certificate.

Step 4: Pay Registration Fees and Taxes

North Dakota registration fees are based on the vehicle's original registration year (not model year) and weight. Most kei trucks weigh 1,500-2,000 pounds, placing them in the lightest truck category.

Registration Fees:

Light trucks under 3,000 lbs: Approximately $39-$69 (varies by age)
Annual registration system (no multi-year options for trucks)

Additional Fees:

Title fee: $5
Excise tax: 5% of purchase price
Filing fees: Approximately $10

Example: For a 1995 Honda Acty purchased for $8,000:

Registration: ~$49
Title: $5
Excise tax: $400 (5% of $8,000)
Filing: $10
Total: ~$464

Step 5: Receive Your Registration and Plates

Upon approval, you'll receive:

North Dakota title in your name
Registration certificate
License plates (front and rear required)
Registration stickers

Your registration must be renewed annually by your birth month.

Important Considerations

Pickup Truck Classification: According to North Dakota Century Code, a pickup truck is defined as a motor vehicle with manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 11,500 pounds and unladen weight less than 8,000 pounds. Most kei trucks easily qualify under this definition.

First-Time Registration Timing: Register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing North Dakota residency or purchasing the vehicle to avoid late fees.

Restrictions and Limitations

Understanding North Dakota's restrictions ensures legal and safe kei truck operation:

Speed Limit Restrictions

Kei trucks in North Dakota are limited to roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or less. This restriction accommodates the vehicles' design limitations while allowing practical use on:

County highways (most have 55 mph limits)
State highways with reduced speed limits (common in rural areas)
Municipal streets and roads
Township and local roads
Agricultural service roads

Prohibited Roads:

Interstate highways (I-29, I-94) with 75 mph limits
U.S. routes with speed limits exceeding 55 mph
Any road where the posted limit is 60 mph or higher

North Dakota's extensive county highway system with 55 mph speed limits makes this restriction less burdensome than in more urbanized states. Many rural routes connecting farms, ranches, and small towns fall within the allowable range.

Equipment Requirements

All registered kei trucks must have functional:

Lighting: DOT-approved headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate light
Mirrors: Rearview mirror and at least one side mirror (two side mirrors recommended for right-hand drive vehicles)
Seat belts: Properly anchored seat belts for all seating positions
Windshield and wipers: Functional windshield with working wipers
Horn: Audible from at least 200 feet
Tires: Adequate tread depth (minimum 2/32 inch)
Brakes: Working service brake and parking brake

Many Japanese domestic market (JDM) kei trucks require modifications to meet these standards, particularly:

Upgrading to DOT-compliant lighting (JDM lights may have different specifications)
Adding or repositioning mirrors for left-hand traffic
Installing or replacing seat belts to meet DOT standards
Ensuring turn signals are amber (front) and red (rear)

Off-Highway Operation

Kei trucks excel in North Dakota's agricultural setting. On private property—farms, ranches, industrial sites—you don't need registration or insurance. Many North Dakota farmers use kei trucks exclusively off-road for:

Fence line maintenance
Livestock management
Equipment and feed transport
Irrigation system access
Hunting and land management

Weather Considerations

North Dakota experiences extreme winter conditions. Kei truck operators should consider:

Heating: Many JDM kei trucks lack adequate cabin heating for -30°F temperatures
Four-wheel drive: Essential for winter operation
Winter tires: Rated for severe snow conditions
Cold weather starting: Block heaters or battery warmers recommended
Rust prevention: Road salt requires aggressive rust protection measures

Insurance Requirements

North Dakota requires all motor vehicles operated on public roads have liability insurance.

Minimum Coverage Requirements

Your kei truck insurance must provide at least:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury or death
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury or death of two or more people
$25,000 for property damage

You must carry proof of insurance and present it upon request by law enforcement or during traffic stops.

Finding Insurance for Kei Trucks

Securing insurance for kei trucks can be challenging, as not all carriers cover imported specialty vehicles. For more tips, see our kei truck insurance guide. Companies known to insure Japanese mini trucks include:

Standard Carriers:

State Farm: Often covers kei trucks as utility vehicles; success varies by agent
Progressive: Has specialty vehicle policies that may include kei trucks
Farmers Insurance: Some agents write policies for imported mini trucks
American Family: Coverage available in some North Dakota markets

Specialty Insurers:

Hagerty: Offers classic and collector vehicle insurance for 25+ year old kei trucks
American Modern: Specializes in non-standard and recreational vehicles
National General: Known for covering unique and imported vehicles

Insurance Application Tips

When seeking insurance for your kei truck:

Call ahead: Verify the company insures kei trucks before applying
Provide documentation: Have your title, registration, and import papers ready
Photos: Some insurers require photos of the vehicle
VIN verification: Ensure your VIN matches across all documents
Inspection: May require professional mechanical inspection
Usage declaration: Clearly state whether the vehicle is for personal, farm, or commercial use

Farm and Agricultural Insurance

North Dakota's large agricultural sector means many farmers have existing farm insurance policies. Check with your farm insurance provider about adding a kei truck as a scheduled vehicle. This often provides more favorable rates and easier approval than standard auto insurance.

Self-Insurance

North Dakota allows self-insurance for individuals or organizations operating 25 or more motor vehicles. However, this is impractical for most individual kei truck owners.

Inspection and Emissions

North Dakota has straightforward inspection requirements and no emissions testing—a significant advantage for kei truck owners.

Safety Inspection (One-Time)

North Dakota requires a general safety inspection only when first registering a vehicle in the state. This is a one-time requirement. Annual inspections are not required for registration renewal.

The initial inspection verifies your kei truck meets basic safety standards:

Brake system functionality (service brake and parking brake)
Steering system (no excessive play or wear)
Suspension components (shocks, springs, control arms)
Tires (adequate tread, proper inflation, no damage)
Lighting systems (all required lights functional)
Horn operation
Windshield condition (no cracks in driver's sight line)
Mirror positioning and condition
Seat belt presence and mounting
Exhaust system (no excessive leaks or noise)

Inspections are performed at licensed inspection stations. Find locations through the NDDOT website.

No Emissions Testing

North Dakota does not require emissions testing or smog checks for any vehicles. This is a major advantage for kei truck owners, as many Japanese imports would struggle to meet strict emissions standards in states like California or New York.

The absence of emissions testing means:

Older kei trucks without catalytic converters can be registered
No concerns about OBD-II diagnostic requirements
No tailpipe emissions testing
No evaporative emissions system requirements

This makes North Dakota particularly attractive for classic kei truck enthusiasts importing 25+ year old vehicles.

Federal Compliance Considerations

While North Dakota doesn't require extensive compliance proof, kei trucks still must meet federal import requirements:

25-year rule: Vehicles 25+ years old are exempt from FMVSS compliance for import under the NHTSA 25-year rule
Newer vehicles: Kei trucks under 25 years old face significant federal import barriers and may not be legally importable

Most kei trucks in North Dakota are 1990s models (Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Daihatsu Hijet) that qualify under the 25-year exemption.

Tips from North Dakota Kei Truck Owners

North Dakota's agricultural landscape and rural character create ideal conditions for kei truck ownership. Here's practical advice from local owners:

Best Use Cases

Agricultural Operations: North Dakota has over 26,000 farms averaging 1,500+ acres. Kei trucks excel at:

Moving between field sections connected by county roads (55 mph routes)
Transporting tools and parts during harvest
Checking livestock across large pastures
Irrigation system maintenance and repair
Fence line work and property management

Rural Property Management: Perfect for ranchers, hobby farmers, and rural homeowners with extensive acreage and minimal highway travel needs.

Small Town Transportation: Many North Dakota small towns have no roads exceeding 55 mph, making kei trucks practical for local errands, mail routes, and community services.

Hunting and Recreation: Popular for accessing hunting land via county roads and navigating field trails during hunting season.

County Highway Navigation

North Dakota's county highway system is extensive and well-maintained. Most county roads have 55 mph speed limits, providing excellent kei truck accessibility. Use resources like:

North Dakota Road Conditions - Check road status, especially in winter
County highway maps - Available from county highway departments
GPS apps - Verify speed limits before traveling unfamiliar routes

Winter Operation Strategies

North Dakota winters are brutal (-40°F temperatures, blizzards, ice). Successful winter kei truck operation requires:

Essential Upgrades:

Aftermarket cab heater or upgraded heating system
Block heater or engine warmer for cold starts
Battery tender or upgraded cold-cranking-amp battery
Winter tires (Bridgestone Blizzak or similar)
Undercoating and rust prevention treatment

Operational Practices:

Store in heated garage when possible
Use fuel stabilizer and anti-gel additive for diesel models
Check tire pressure frequently (cold affects pressure)
Keep emergency kit (blankets, shovel, sand, jumper cables)

Finding Parts and Service

Parts availability can be challenging for Japanese kei trucks in North Dakota:

Online Sources:

Japanese parts exporters (Nengun Performance, RHDJapan)
Domestic mini truck parts suppliers (Mini Truck Depot, JapaneseClassics.com)
eBay and online marketplaces

Local Options:

Small engine repair shops (familiar with similar engines)
Agricultural mechanics (experienced with utility vehicles)
ATV/UTV dealers (sometimes service kei trucks)

DIY Maintenance: Many owners perform their own maintenance. Kei trucks have simple mechanical systems ideal for self-service.

Community and Resources

Connect with North Dakota kei truck enthusiasts:

r/keitruck subreddit: National community with North Dakota members
Local farm equipment groups: Network through Farm Bureau and agricultural organizations
Japanese vehicle meets: Occasional gatherings in Fargo and Bismarck areas
Online forums: Japanese Mini Truck Forum and dedicated Facebook groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my kei truck on Highway 2 or Highway 85?

Only if the posted speed limit on that section of highway is 55 mph or less. Many rural portions of North Dakota state highways have 55 mph speed limits, but verify before traveling. If the posted limit is 60, 65, or higher, kei trucks are prohibited.

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

No. A standard North Dakota Class D (operator's) driver's license is sufficient. No special endorsements or classifications are required.

Can I use my kei truck for commercial purposes?

Yes. You can register your kei truck for commercial use if you're operating a business. You'll pay standard commercial registration fees based on vehicle weight. Common commercial uses include landscaping, property maintenance services, and agricultural contracting.

What about operating on township roads?

Township roads typically have speed limits of 55 mph or less, making them legal for kei truck operation. However, always observe posted speed limits and be aware that some township roads may be unimproved or seasonal.

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

This is challenging. New kei trucks don't qualify for the 25-year import exemption and must meet current FMVSS standards—which they typically don't. Focus on vehicles 25+ years old for straightforward importation and registration.

Do I need to renew my safety inspection annually?

No. North Dakota only requires the initial safety inspection when first registering the vehicle. Annual registration renewal does not require reinspection.

What happens if I get pulled over on a road with a 65 mph speed limit?

Operating a kei truck on roads exceeding 55 mph speed limits violates North Dakota vehicle operation laws. Penalties can include traffic citations, fines ($20-$100+), and potential vehicle impoundment in egregious cases. Always plan routes to avoid prohibited roads.

Can I drive my kei truck in winter?

Yes, but be prepared for extreme cold. Many owners install aftermarket heaters, use block heaters, and equip winter tires. Four-wheel drive kei trucks handle snow well, but extreme cold (-20°F to -40°F) can cause starting issues and mechanical problems without proper preparation.

Are kei vans and kei cars legal too?

Yes. The same 55 mph speed limit restriction applies to all kei-class vehicles, including kei vans (like Honda Acty van), kei cars (like Honda Beat or Suzuki Cappuccino), and kei trucks. All must meet registration and safety inspection requirements.

Useful Links

Here are essential resources for North Dakota kei truck owners:

North Dakota Department of Transportation - Official NDDOT website
Motor Vehicle Services - Registration information and office locations
Online Appointment Scheduler - Schedule registration appointments
Motor Vehicle Registration Manual (PDF) - Comprehensive registration guide
North Dakota Century Code - Chapter 39-04 - Vehicle registration statutes
NHTSA Importing a Vehicle - Federal import rules and 25-year exemption
North Dakota Road Conditions - Real-time road status and travel information
Hagerty Insurance - Specialty insurance for classic and imported vehicles
r/keitruck Reddit - Community discussions and owner experiences

North Dakota's relatively permissive approach to kei trucks, combined with the state's agricultural economy and extensive rural road network, makes it one of the better states for kei truck ownership and operation. With proper registration, insurance, and understanding of the 55 mph speed limit restriction, kei trucks can serve as practical utility vehicles throughout the Peace Garden State. For information on kei truck laws in other states, explore our comprehensive complete state-by-state guide. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Minnesota and South Dakota.