Kei Truck & Kei Car Laws in Texas (2026)

Are Kei Trucks Legal in Texas?

Yes, fully legal. Texas is one of the best states in the country for kei truck owners. Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1816 into law in 2025, officially recognizing kei trucks, kei cars, and kei vans as "miniature vehicles" under Texas law. The bill took effect September 1, 2025, codifying into state statute what the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles had already been allowing administratively since 2024.

SB 1816, backed by SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), removes the ambiguity that previously existed around kei truck registration in Texas. Vehicles must be at least 25 years old, aligning with the federal NHTSA 25-year import rule. This means popular models like the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Daihatsu Hijet, and Mitsubishi Minicab can be legally imported, titled, registered, and driven on Texas roads.

What Changed with SB 1816

Before SB 1816, Texas kei truck registration was handled inconsistently at the county level. Some counties classified them as "off-highway vehicles" or "slow-moving vehicles," while others issued standard registrations. The experience varied wildly between rural and urban counties.

SB 1816 changes this by:

• Creating a "miniature vehicle" classification in Texas law
• Mandating essential safety features for registered miniature vehicles
• Requiring vehicles to be at least 25 years old for import compliance
• Standardizing the registration process across all 254 Texas counties
• Aligning with federal import standards for consistency

For more details on importing, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. Wondering how kei trucks compare to side-by-sides? Read our kei truck vs UTV comparison.

Registration Process and Requirements

To register a kei vehicle in Texas under the new law, 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.
• No Safety Inspection Required: As of January 1, 2025, Texas eliminated mandatory safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles under HB 3297. Your kei truck no longer needs an annual safety inspection before registration. However, a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee is added to your registration. If you live in an emissions testing county (Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, etc.), you still need to pass an emissions test, though most 25+ year old kei trucks are exempt.

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. Visit your county tax office with all documents to apply for title and registration.
5. Pay applicable fees and taxes.

Restrictions

• 25-Year Age Requirement: Under SB 1816, kei vehicles must be at least 25 years old to qualify for the miniature vehicle classification. As of 2026, vehicles manufactured in 2001 or earlier qualify.
• Safety Equipment: The law mandates essential safety features. Vehicles lacking basic safety equipment like seat belts, lights, or mirrors may need upgrades before registration.
• County Administration: While SB 1816 standardizes the legal framework, registration is still administered by county tax assessor-collector offices. The process should be more uniform now, but some variation in processing experience may still exist between counties.
• Standard Traffic Laws Apply: Registered kei vehicles must obey all standard Texas traffic laws. Be sure to review our pre-purchase inspection checklist before committing.

Legislative Timeline

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

SB 1816 (2025) is the most significant piece of kei truck legislation Texas has ever passed. Before this law, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles had begun allowing kei truck registrations administratively in 2024, but there was no statute specifically addressing these vehicles. SB 1816 codifies kei truck legality into Texas Transportation Code, providing permanent legal protection for owners and dealers.

The law also establishes protections for dealers who sell kei vehicles, creating a clear regulatory framework for the growing market. Texas Standard reported that Texas joined 28 other states in formally legalizing these vehicles.

HB 3297 (2025): Separately, Texas eliminated mandatory safety inspections for all non-commercial vehicles effective January 1, 2025. This means kei trucks no longer need an annual safety inspection before registration. A $7.50 replacement fee is added to registration costs instead. Vehicles in emissions testing counties still need emissions checks, but most 25+ year old imports are exempt. This change, combined with SB 1816, makes Texas one of the easiest states in the country for kei truck ownership.

If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, because regulations vary significantly across the region.

Tips from Local Owners

• Registration should be smoother now. With SB 1816 in effect, county tax offices should no longer be confused about whether to register kei vehicles. If you encounter resistance, reference the law by name and bill number.
• 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 r/minitrucks. 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 costs in some counties.

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