Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Rhode Island (2025)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Rhode Island?

No, kei trucks are effectively illegal for street use in Rhode Island. If you're unfamiliar with these vehicles, read our beginner's guide to kei trucks. In 2024, Rhode Island passed legislation allowing the state to refuse registration for any vehicle identified as a kei car or kei truck. New registrations have been prohibited since June 1, 2024, making Rhode Island one of the most restrictive states for these Japanese mini trucks.

Under Rhode Island General Law 31-3-5, the Division of Motor Vehicles has authority to refuse registration if a vehicle is deemed "mechanically unfit or unsafe to be operated upon the highways." Rhode Island invoked this statute to justify the kei truck ban, though the reasoning has been controversial. Critics note that the state simultaneously legalized street-legal golf carts, which have similar size and speed limitations.

Vehicles that were validly registered before the June 1, 2024 cutoff date are grandfathered and can renew their registrations. However, these grandfathered registrations cannot be transferred to new owners. If you sell a registered kei truck in Rhode Island, the new owner cannot re-register it in their name.

For anyone considering purchasing a kei truck in Rhode Island, the current legal landscape makes it a non-starter unless significant legislative changes occur. Advocates have pushed back against the ban, but as of early 2026, no repeal efforts have gained traction.

How to Register a Kei Truck in Rhode Island

As of June 1, 2024, you cannot register a new kei truck in Rhode Island for street use. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles refuses all new kei truck and kei car registration applications.

Grandfathered Vehicles (Registered Before June 1, 2024)

If your kei truck was registered in Rhode Island before the cutoff date, you can renew your registration under these conditions:

Renewal Process:

Submit standard vehicle registration renewal forms
Provide proof of insurance
Pay renewal fees (typically $60-$100 biennially)
Pass biennial safety and emissions inspection if required

Important Restrictions:

You cannot transfer the registration to a new owner
If you sell the vehicle, it becomes unregistrable in Rhode Island
If your registration lapses and is not renewed within the grace period, you may lose grandfathered status

Documents Needed for Renewal:

Current registration
Proof of insurance
Biennial inspection certificate (if required)
Payment for renewal fees

Out-of-State Options

Some Rhode Island residents have explored registering kei trucks in nearby states with more permissive laws, though this requires establishing residency or other legal connections to that state. See our complete state-by-state guide for details. This approach carries legal risks and may not be advisable without proper legal consultation.

Alternative: Off-Road Use Only

You can own a kei truck in Rhode Island for off-road use on private property without registration. Farm and ranch use on private land does not require DMV involvement.

Restrictions and Limitations

Rhode Island's restrictions on kei trucks are among the most severe in the United States.

Registration Ban

Since June 1, 2024, the Rhode Island DMV refuses all new kei truck and kei car registration applications. This effectively bans these vehicles from public roads going forward.

Road Use Limitations

Even for grandfathered vehicles still legally registered, proposed legislation (RI H8013) suggested limiting kei trucks to:

Public highways with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less
Crossing highways with speed limits between 35-45 mph at controlled intersections only

Transfer Prohibition

Perhaps most significantly, Rhode Island prohibits transferring existing kei truck registrations to new owners. This makes the used kei truck market in Rhode Island essentially non-existent.

Equipment Standards

For grandfathered vehicles that remain registered, standard Rhode Island vehicle equipment requirements apply:

Functioning headlights and taillights
Turn signals
Brake lights
Windshield wipers
Mirrors
Seat belts
Horn

Insurance Requirements

Insurance requirements depend on your vehicle's registration status. For more guidance, see our kei truck insurance guide.

For Grandfathered Registered Vehicles

If your kei truck remains registered under the grandfather clause, you must maintain Rhode Island's minimum liability insurance:

$25,000 bodily injury per person
$50,000 bodily injury per accident
$25,000 property damage per accident

Finding insurance for kei trucks in Rhode Island has become more challenging since the ban. Some carriers view the regulatory environment as too risky. Options include:

State Farm (select agents only)
Hagerty (collector/specialty vehicle insurance)
Progressive (availability varies)

Expect premiums of $600-$1,200 annually, higher than in states where kei trucks enjoy full legal status.

For Unregistered Vehicles

If you own a kei truck for off-road use only, standard auto insurance is generally not required. However, consider liability coverage under your property insurance or farm insurance policy if applicable.

Inspection and Emissions

Rhode Island has mandatory inspection requirements that apply to grandfathered kei trucks.

Biennial Safety and Emissions Inspection

All motor vehicles registered in Rhode Island with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,500 lbs or less must pass a safety and emissions inspection every two years.

Kei trucks fall under this requirement, as they typically weigh well under 8,500 lbs (most are 1,500-2,200 lbs).

Inspection Cost: Approximately $80 for the combined safety and emissions test.

Inspection Stations: Must be performed at a Rhode Island-certified inspection facility.

Safety Inspection Points

The inspection covers:

Brake system
Steering and suspension
Lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights)
Horn
Windshield wipers
Mirrors
Tires and wheels
Exhaust system
Seat belts

Kei trucks often require modifications or repairs to pass, particularly for lighting and emissions systems not originally designed for U.S. standards.

Emissions Testing

Rhode Island requires emissions testing as part of the biennial inspection. Vehicles 20 years or older are typically exempt from emissions testing, which covers most importable kei trucks (those meeting the 25-year federal import rule).

Tips from Rhode Island Kei Truck Owners

Rhode Island's small community of grandfathered kei truck owners offers these insights:

Protect Your Grandfathered Status

If you own a grandfathered kei truck, never let your registration lapse. Missing a renewal deadline could forfeit your legal status permanently. Set reminders well in advance of your expiration date.

Keep Documentation Organized

Maintain meticulous records of your registration history, inspection certificates, and proof of pre-June 2024 registration. If questions arise, comprehensive documentation is your best defense.

Join Advocacy Efforts

Organizations and enthusiast groups continue pushing for repeal of Rhode Island's kei truck ban. While success isn't guaranteed, political landscapes change. Join local automotive clubs or online communities to stay informed.

Consider Neighboring States

If you're considering purchasing a kei truck, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and other nearby states have different legal frameworks. Research carefully before committing.

Maintenance and Inspection Prep

Given the inspection requirements, establish a relationship with a mechanic familiar with kei trucks. Many standard auto shops lack experience with these vehicles. Online communities like r/keitruck can provide mechanic recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a kei truck in Rhode Island today?

You can purchase one for off-road use on private property, but you cannot register it for street use. If someone is selling a grandfathered, currently registered kei truck, you cannot transfer that registration to your name.

What if I already own a kei truck registered before June 2024?

You can continue renewing your registration as long as you maintain it without lapses and meet inspection requirements. However, you cannot transfer it if you sell the vehicle.

Why did Rhode Island ban kei trucks?

The official justification cited safety concerns under RI General Law 31-3-5, claiming kei trucks are "mechanically unfit or unsafe." Critics argue the reasoning is inconsistent, pointing to Rhode Island's simultaneous legalization of street-legal golf carts and the fact that the federal government permits kei trucks 25+ years old for import.

Are there any efforts to overturn the ban?

As of early 2026, no active legislation to repeal the ban has gained significant traction. Advocacy groups continue to lobby, but Rhode Island lawmakers have not shown interest in reversing the 2024 law.

Can I drive my kei truck to a mechanic or inspection station?

If your vehicle is registered and insured, yes. However, driving an unregistered kei truck on public roads, even for practical purposes like repairs, is illegal and can result in citations and impoundment.

What penalties exist for driving an unregistered kei truck?

Driving an unregistered vehicle in Rhode Island can result in fines of $100-$500, points on your driver's license, and potential vehicle impoundment. Repeat offenses carry steeper penalties.

Can I register a kei truck as an antique or collector vehicle?

No. Rhode Island's ban specifically targets kei trucks and kei cars regardless of age or collector status. The standard antique vehicle exemptions do not apply.

Useful Links

Rhode Island's restrictive stance on kei trucks makes it one of the most challenging states for ownership. The June 1, 2024 ban effectively ended the legal street use of these vehicles for new owners, though grandfathered vehicles can continue operating under strict conditions. If you're passionate about kei trucks, consider advocating for legislative change or researching opportunities in more permissive states. For comprehensive guides to kei truck laws across the country, our complete state-by-state guide. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Connecticut and Massachusetts.