Kei Vehicle Laws in Texas

Texas is widely regarded as one of the most kei-friendly states in the United States. The state allows kei trucks and kei cars to be registered, titled, and driven on public roads, though with certain restrictions that vary by county. Whether you are importing a Japanese mini truck for farm use or a kei car for city commuting, Texas provides a relatively straightforward path to legal operation. Wondering how they compare to a side-by-side? Read our kei truck vs UTV comparison. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan.

Disclaimer: Laws and regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local Texas county tax assessor-collector's office or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) before purchasing or registering a kei vehicle. Be sure to review our pre-purchase inspection checklist.

Overview

Texas classifies most kei trucks under the "off-highway vehicle" or "slow-moving vehicle" category, depending on the county and the specific vehicle configuration. However, many owners have successfully registered their kei vehicles with standard Texas plates, particularly in rural counties. The key factor is that kei vehicles are generally limited to a maximum speed of 35 mph on public roads, which restricts them from highways and high-speed roads.

Kei cars, which are capable of higher speeds than kei trucks, may face different treatment depending on whether they meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Vehicles over 25 years old are exempt from FMVSS requirements under the EPA and DOT 25-year import rule, making them significantly easier to import and register.

Registration Process and Requirements

To register a kei vehicle in Texas, you will need the following documents:

• Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO): If the vehicle was previously titled in another state, you can transfer that title. If importing directly, you will need the original Japanese export certificate or deregistration document translated into English. See our complete state-by-state guide for details.
• Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale showing the purchase price, buyer and seller information, and vehicle identification details.
• Customs Documentation: If imported, you need the CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) and EPA Form 3520-1, along with DOT Form HS-7 demonstrating the vehicle is exempt from FMVSS (typically via the 25-year exemption).
• Proof of Insurance: Texas requires liability insurance on all registered vehicles. For more guidance, see our kei truck insurance guide. Minimum coverage is 30/60/25 ($30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage).
• VIN Inspection: A VIN verification may be required, particularly for imported vehicles. This can be done at your local county tax office or by a licensed VIN inspector.
• Texas Safety Inspection: An annual safety inspection is required. The vehicle must pass basic checks including lights, brakes, tires, horn, mirrors, and windshield wipers. Cost is typically $7.00 for non-commercial vehicles.

Step-by-Step Registration

1. Obtain all import documentation from your customs broker or importer.
2. Get a VIN inspection at your county tax assessor-collector's office.
3. Purchase liability insurance that meets Texas minimums.
4. Pass the Texas annual safety inspection at a licensed inspection station.
5. Visit your county tax office with all documents to apply for title and registration.
6. Pay applicable fees and taxes.

Restrictions

• Speed Limit: Kei vehicles are generally limited to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. This effectively prohibits highway use for most kei trucks.
• Road Types: Some counties restrict kei vehicles to farm-to-market roads, county roads, and residential streets. Check with your specific county for local ordinances.
• County Variation: Texas is a county-administered state for vehicle registration, which means the ease of registration can vary significantly from county to county. Rural counties tend to be more accommodating than large urban counties like Harris (Houston) or Dallas.
• Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) Triangle: Some counties require kei trucks to display an SMV triangle on the rear if they cannot maintain the posted speed limit.

Cost Breakdown

Total first-year costs, excluding insurance and the vehicle purchase price, typically run between $200 and $500 depending on your county and the vehicle's declared value.

Recent Legislative Changes

Texas has not passed any major legislation specifically targeting kei vehicles in recent years. However, the broader trend of the 25-year FMVSS exemption rule continuing to open up more model years of Japanese kei vehicles has expanded the pool of legally importable vehicles. As of 2025, vehicles manufactured in 2000 or earlier qualify for the 25-year exemption.

Some Texas counties have also become more familiar with kei vehicle registrations over the past few years, which has generally made the process smoother compared to earlier years when tax office staff were less experienced with these vehicles. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Tips from Local Owners

• Choose your county wisely. If you live near a county line, it may be worth checking which county has a more straightforward registration process for kei vehicles. Some owners report significantly different experiences between neighboring counties.
• Bring printed documentation. Come prepared with printed copies of all import paperwork, the 25-year rule exemption letter, and any prior state titles. The more organized you are, the smoother the process.
• Get insurance first. Not all insurance companies will cover kei vehicles. Hagerty, State Farm, and some specialty importers offer policies. Shop around before you show up at the tax office.
• Join local communities. Texas has active kei truck communities on Facebook and forums like MiniTruckTalk. Local owners can point you to the specific tax offices and inspection stations that are kei-friendly.
• Consider a farm registration. If you plan to use the vehicle primarily for agricultural purposes, a farm plate may simplify the process and reduce restrictions in some counties.

Find verified kei truck dealers in Texas in our dealer directory.