Kei Vehicle Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the most accommodating states in the country for kei vehicle owners. The state offers a simple titling and registration process, does not require an annual safety inspection for most counties, and has no specific speed restrictions targeting kei vehicles. This combination of factors has made Tennessee a popular state for kei truck and kei car ownership.

Disclaimer: Laws and regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local Tennessee county clerk's office or the Tennessee Department of Revenue before purchasing or registering a kei vehicle. Be sure to review our pre-purchase inspection checklist.

Overview

Tennessee allows kei trucks and kei cars to be titled and registered for on-road use without significant restrictions. The state treats kei vehicles that meet the 25-year federal import exemption similarly to other imported vehicles. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. Once titled and registered, kei vehicles are subject to the same traffic laws as any other vehicle on Tennessee roads.

The state's lack of a mandatory safety inspection in most counties is a significant advantage, as it eliminates one of the biggest hurdles kei vehicle owners face in other states. Only a handful of Tennessee counties require emissions testing, and older vehicles are generally exempt. See our complete state-by-state guide for details.

Tennessee's relatively low registration fees and taxes further enhance its appeal for kei vehicle owners looking for an affordable and hassle-free ownership experience.

Registration Process and Requirements

To register a kei vehicle in Tennessee, you will need:

• Title: A valid title from another U.S. state or, for first-time titling, the Japanese export certificate with certified English translation along with customs documentation.
• Bill of Sale: Showing the purchase price, buyer/seller details, and vehicle identification.
• Customs Documentation: CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1, and DOT Form HS-7 demonstrating the 25-year exemption (for imported vehicles).
• Proof of Insurance: Tennessee requires minimum liability insurance of 25/50/15 ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $15,000 for property damage).
• VIN Verification: May be required for vehicles not previously titled in the U.S. Contact your county clerk's office for specific requirements.
• Emissions Test: Required only in Davidson (Nashville), Hamilton (Chattanooga), Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties. Vehicles model year 1975 and older are exempt.

Step-by-Step Registration

1. Gather all import and customs documentation.
2. Obtain Tennessee auto insurance meeting state minimums.
3. Visit your local county clerk's office with all documents.
4. Complete a VIN verification if required.
5. Submit the title and registration application.
6. Pay applicable fees and taxes.
7. Receive your Tennessee title and license plate.

Restrictions

• No Annual Safety Inspection: Tennessee does not require an annual safety inspection for private vehicles in most counties, which is a major advantage for kei vehicle owners.
• Emissions Testing (Limited): Only required in select counties around Nashville and Chattanooga. Most kei vehicles eligible under the 25-year rule will be exempt due to their age.
• Standard Traffic Laws: Kei vehicles must comply with all Tennessee traffic laws, including equipment requirements for lights, signals, mirrors, and other safety equipment.
• Highway Practicality: While not legally restricted from highways, kei trucks with limited top speeds may find sustained highway driving impractical. Use good judgment about which roads are safe and appropriate for your specific vehicle.

Cost Breakdown

Tennessee's combined state and local sales tax rate can reach up to 9.75%, which is among the highest in the nation. However, the base registration and title fees are quite low. First-year costs excluding insurance and the purchase price typically range from $100 to $400.

Recent Legislative Changes

Tennessee has not enacted specific legislation targeting kei vehicles in recent years. The state's existing vehicle registration framework accommodates kei vehicles without the need for special provisions. The federal 25-year import rule remains the primary enabler for legal importation.

Tennessee's vehicle registration system has been generally stable, and the state's county clerk offices have become increasingly familiar with kei vehicle registrations as their popularity has grown. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Kentucky and Virginia.

Tips from Local Owners

• Tennessee is a top-five state for kei ownership. The combination of no inspection, easy registration, low fees, and a growing community makes Tennessee an excellent place to own a kei vehicle.
• County clerks are generally helpful. Most county clerks in Tennessee have processed kei vehicle titles before or are willing to work through the process. Bring all your documentation organized and clearly labeled.
• Insurance is straightforward. Several national insurance companies (Progressive, State Farm, Hagerty) write policies for kei vehicles in Tennessee without significant difficulty. For more tips, see our kei truck insurance guide. Wondering how they compare to a side-by-side? Read our kei truck vs UTV comparison. Call ahead to confirm coverage availability and get quotes.
• Watch the sales tax. Tennessee's high combined sales tax can add a meaningful amount to your total cost. Factor this into your purchase budget.
• Great for farm and rural use. Tennessee's rural landscape makes kei trucks especially popular for farm work, property maintenance, and short-distance hauling. Many owners use them as both utility vehicles and road-legal transportation.
• Nashville and Knoxville have active communities. Both cities have growing kei vehicle communities with regular meetups, group drives, and knowledge-sharing events. Connecting with local owners is the fastest way to get up to speed on Tennessee-specific tips and resources.
• Transferring from another state is easy. If you have a kei vehicle titled in another state, transferring the title to Tennessee is generally a smooth process. Bring the existing title and proof of insurance to your county clerk.