Kei Vehicle Laws in Virginia

Virginia allows kei trucks and kei cars to be titled, registered, and driven on public roads, making it a kei-friendly state in the Mid-Atlantic region. The primary requirement that sets Virginia apart from some other permissive states is its mandatory annual safety inspection. All registered vehicles in Virginia must pass a yearly inspection, which covers a comprehensive list of safety equipment and conditions. For kei vehicle owners, this means finding an inspection station that is knowledgeable about and willing to inspect imported Japanese vehicles. 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 Virginia DMV office or the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VADMV) before purchasing or registering a kei vehicle. Be sure to review our pre-purchase inspection checklist.

Overview

Virginia treats kei vehicles similarly to other imported vehicles. Once a kei truck or kei car meets the 25-year federal FMVSS exemption for importation, it can be titled and registered in Virginia through the standard DMV process. The state does not impose specific speed restrictions or road-type limitations on kei vehicles beyond what applies to all vehicles under general traffic law.

The annual safety inspection is the most notable requirement. Virginia is one of a shrinking number of states that still mandates yearly inspections, and this can be both a benefit (ensuring your vehicle is maintained) and a challenge (finding an inspector comfortable with kei vehicles).

Virginia also has a unique option: the state allows drivers to pay a $500 annual fee to operate an uninsured vehicle, though this is not recommended for kei vehicle owners. Standard liability insurance is the better path.

Registration Process and Requirements

To register a kei vehicle in Virginia, 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. Virginia uses Form VSA-17A for title applications.
• Bill of Sale: Showing purchase price, vehicle details, and buyer/seller information.
• Customs Documentation: CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1, and DOT Form HS-7 showing the 25-year exemption (for imported vehicles).
• Safety Inspection: The vehicle must pass a Virginia safety inspection before registration. Inspections are conducted at licensed Virginia Safety Inspection Stations and cost a state-set fee.
• Emissions Inspection: Required in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads area. Vehicles model year 1995 and older are typically exempt.
• Proof of Insurance: Virginia requires minimum liability insurance of 30/60/20 ($30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, $20,000 for property damage). Alternatively, you can pay the $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee, but this does not provide any insurance coverage and is not recommended. For more guidance, see our kei truck insurance guide.
• VIN Verification: May be required for vehicles not previously titled in the U.S.

Step-by-Step Registration

1. Gather all import and customs documentation.
2. Obtain Virginia auto insurance meeting state minimums.
3. Pass the Virginia safety inspection at a licensed inspection station.
4. Complete emissions testing if you are in an applicable locality.
5. Visit a Virginia DMV office with all documents.
6. Submit the title application (Form VSA-17A) with supporting documents.
7. Pay applicable fees and taxes.
8. Receive your Virginia title and license plates.

Restrictions

• Annual Safety Inspection: Required for all registered vehicles. The inspection covers brakes, lights, turn signals, tires, steering, suspension, exhaust, windshield, wipers, mirrors, horn, and other safety equipment. See our best off-road mods guide for popular upgrades. The inspection sticker must be current for the vehicle to be operated on public roads.
• Emissions Inspection: Required in certain localities (Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads). Age-exempt vehicles avoid this requirement.
• Standard Traffic Laws: Kei vehicles must comply with all Virginia traffic laws. No specific speed or road-type restrictions target kei vehicles, but common sense applies — if your kei truck cannot safely maintain interstate speeds, avoid using it on high-speed roads.
• Equipment Standards: Virginia's safety inspection standards require specific equipment that kei vehicles may not have in stock form. Check that your vehicle has proper DOT-compliant headlights, reflectors, mirrors, seatbelts, and other required equipment before your inspection.

Cost Breakdown

First-year costs excluding insurance and the purchase price typically range from $150 to $400. Virginia's fees are moderate compared to many other states. See our complete state-by-state guide for details.

Recent Legislative Changes

Virginia has not passed specific legislation targeting kei vehicles in recent sessions. The state continues to operate under its existing vehicle registration and inspection framework, which accommodates kei vehicles through the standard process.

Virginia's safety inspection program has been a subject of periodic debate in the General Assembly, with some lawmakers proposing its elimination to align with the majority of states that no longer require inspections. As of 2025, the inspection requirement remains in place. Any future changes to the inspection program would directly impact kei vehicle owners. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Maryland and West Virginia.

Tips from Local Owners

• Find a kei-friendly inspection station. This is the single most important tip for Virginia kei vehicle owners. Not all inspection stations are familiar with or willing to inspect kei vehicles. Ask other kei owners in Virginia for recommendations. Some stations in the Shenandoah Valley, Southwest Virginia, and rural areas are known to be more accommodating.
• Prepare your vehicle for inspection. Before taking your kei vehicle to an inspection station, ensure all lights, signals, brakes, tires, mirrors, and other safety equipment are in good working order. Replace any non-DOT-compliant bulbs or lights with DOT-approved replacements.
• Northern Virginia is stricter. Owners in the NoVA area generally report a more rigorous experience with both DMV registration and safety inspections compared to other parts of the state. Consider whether a trip to a less congested DMV office might be worthwhile.
• Insurance is manageable. Virginia's insurance requirements are standard, and most major insurers will write policies for kei vehicles. Hagerty, Progressive, and State Farm are commonly mentioned by Virginia owners.
• The $500 uninsured option is a trap. While Virginia technically allows you to pay $500 per year instead of carrying insurance, this provides zero coverage. If you are in an accident, you are personally liable for all damages. Always carry insurance.
• Virginia has an active kei community. Groups in the Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Northern Virginia areas regularly host meetups and can provide local guidance on registration, inspection, and maintenance.

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