If you’re a fan of compact, quirky, and ridiculously practical vehicles, Kei cars, trucks, and vans have likely caught your eye. These Japanese “keijidōsha” (light vehicles) are pint-sized powerhouses, perfect for navigating tight urban streets, tackling farm chores, or just turning heads with their unique charm. But here’s the catch: their legality in the U.S. is a patchwork of state laws, with some embracing these micro-machines and others slamming the brakes. Thanks to the federal 25-year import rule, Kei vehicles over 25 years old can be brought into the country, but whether you can register and drive them depends on where you live. Let’s dive into the states that have passed legislation to welcome Kei cars, trucks, and vans, and explore California’s challenging stance for enthusiasts like us.
What Are Kei Vehicles?
For the uninitiated, Kei vehicles are a Japanese class of compact vehicles designed to meet strict size and engine regulations (currently max 3.4 meters long, 1.48 meters wide, and 660cc engines producing up to 64 horsepower). Think Suzuki Carry trucks, Honda Acty vans, or even sporty gems like the Autozam AZ-1. They’re affordable, fuel-efficient (often hitting 40 mpg), and versatile, making them a cult favorite among U.S. buyers for everything from city deliveries to off-road adventures.
The federal government allows importation of Kei vehicles 25 years or older, exempting them from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. But states call the shots on titling, registration, and road use, leading to a dizzying array of rules. Some states have rolled out the red carpet, passing laws to make Kei vehicles street-legal, while others, like California, impose heavy restrictions. Here’s the rundown.
States Leading the Kei Charge
Texas: The Lone Star Kei Haven
Texas is the poster child for Kei vehicle legalization, thanks to passionate advocacy and a recent legislative win. In April 2024, the Texas DMV reversed its restrictive policy, allowing Kei vehicles 25 years or older to be titled and registered like standard vehicles, provided they pass a state safety inspection. This was just the warm-up. On May 23, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1816, which went into effect immediately, codifying the titling, registration, and road use of “miniature vehicles” (Kei cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs meeting specific size and engine criteria). Unlike other states, Texas imposes no speed or road-type restrictions, meaning your Suzuki Carry can cruise anywhere a full-sized truck can—legally. The push came from David McChristian and his advocacy group, Lone Star Kei, who lobbied hard to protect these vehicles from bans sweeping other states. With bipartisan support and only one dissenting vote, SB 1816 is a landmark victory for Kei enthusiasts.
Colorado: Legal, But Patience Required
Colorado joined the Kei party in May 2025, when Governor Jared Polis signed HB25-1281 into law, redefining Kei vehicles as motor vehicles for titling, registration, and road use. The bill, passed with unanimous Senate support, allows residents to legally register Kei cars, trucks, and vans that are 25 years or older starting July 1, 2027. Why the wait? The law’s implementation is delayed to give the state time to finalize regulations, though there’s a slim chance a referendum could push it to a 2026 ballot vote. There’s a catch: Kei vehicles in Colorado can’t be driven on roads with speed limits above 55 mph or on limited-access highways like I-70. They’ll also need to pass emissions tests based on their manufacture year, using a two-speed idle test rather than a dynamometer. For Front Range residents, this could mean navigating stricter county-level emissions rules. Still, Colorado’s move is a big win for enthusiasts dreaming of a Subaru Sambar for mountain errands.
Massachusetts: A Reversal of Fortune
Massachusetts had a rocky Kei journey. In early 2024, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) cracked down, refusing to register Kei vehicles and citing safety concerns, even revoking some existing titles. Owners like Nathan Fontes-Fried, who used a Honda Acty for his photography business, faced uncertainty. But after public outcry and advocacy, the RMV reversed course. On September 18, 2024, Massachusetts announced that Kei vehicles could be registered again, with existing registrations renewed without interruption. While not a formal statute like Texas or Colorado, this policy shift is backed by the RMV’s ongoing safety study, suggesting a commitment to keeping Kei vehicles on the road. Owners can now title their vehicles for passenger or commercial use, making Massachusetts a Kei-friendly state—at least for now.
Oklahoma and Louisiana: Early Adopters
Back in 2008, Oklahoma and Louisiana passed some of the most permissive Kei vehicle laws in the U.S. Both states allow Kei trucks on all public roads except interstate highways, with no speed limit restrictions beyond standard traffic rules. These laws are broad, covering Kei trucks specifically but also applying to other Kei vehicles meeting safety requirements (e.g., seat belts, headlights, and approved glass). If you’re hauling cargo in a Daihatsu Hijet in Tulsa or Baton Rouge, you’re in the clear—just steer clear of I-40 or I-10.
States with Partial or Conditional Allowance
Several states allow Kei vehicles under specific conditions, often without explicit legislation but through regulatory frameworks or local ordinances. These aren’t full-on legislative wins, but they’re worth noting:
- California: The Golden State’s Tough Stance: California is one of the toughest states for Kei vehicle enthusiasts due to its stringent emissions and safety regulations enforced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Kei vehicles 25 years or older can be imported under the federal 25-year rule, but registering them for on-road use is nearly impossible without costly modifications. They’re classified as low-speed vehicles (LSVs) or specialty vehicles, restricted to roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less in some areas, and banned from highways or roads above 55 mph. Owners must upgrade safety features (e.g., seat belts, lighting) and install emissions control devices to meet CARB standards, with conversion costs ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per vehicle. Even then, passing a DMV safety inspection and emissions testing is a hurdle, as Kei trucks often lack U.S.-compliant equipment. Advocacy groups like Oiwa.co and G&K Auto Conversions are lobbying for relaxed regulations, arguing that Kei vehicles’ fuel efficiency (up to 45 mpg) aligns with California’s eco-goals, but no legislation has been passed as of May 2025. Some owners skirt restrictions by registering in other states (e.g., South Dakota) and risking fines, but this isn’t a legal workaround. For now, Kei vehicles in California are mostly limited to private property or off-road use.
- North Carolina: Kei trucks are allowed on roads with speed limits up to 55 mph, provided they have essential safety equipment. No specific statute, but state regulations treat them as standard vehicles with restrictions.
- Florida: Kei vehicles can be registered as low-speed vehicles for roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, requiring county approval and modifications like lights and insurance. Enforcement is spotty, with some owners driving on faster roads without issue.
- Utah: Kei trucks are permitted statewide, but urban counties like Salt Lake impose stricter emissions rules, complicating registration.
- Delaware, Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C.: No specific laws ban or regulate Kei vehicles, making them legal by default, though local restrictions may apply (e.g., Alaska’s municipal rules).
The Kei Struggle: Why the Patchwork?
So, why the mixed bag? Kei vehicles weren’t built to U.S. FMVSS, raising safety concerns among regulators, especially when sharing roads with massive SUVs. A 2011 report by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) labeled Kei trucks as unsafe and non-compliant with emissions, influencing bans in states like Maine, Georgia, and Rhode Island. Critics argue this ignores Japan’s stringent safety standards and the fact that Kei vehicles are often safer than motorcycles or older U.S. cars like a 1992 Nissan Sentra. In California, the CARB’s rigorous emissions rules add another layer of complexity, despite Kei vehicles’ eco-friendly potential.
The real issue might be market disruption. Kei trucks, often costing under $10,000, threaten sales of full-sized pickups and powersports vehicles. Fleet buyers and farmers love their affordability and utility, which could explain why some states, swayed by lobbying, resist. But enthusiasts are fighting back, as seen in Texas and Massachusetts, proving that grassroots advocacy can move the needle. In California, groups like Oiwa.co continue to push for change, but the state’s regulatory landscape remains a tough nut to crack.
Tips for Kei Owners and Aspiring Buyers
If you’re eyeing a Kei vehicle, here’s how to navigate the legal maze:
- Check Local Laws: Even in Kei-friendly states, county or municipal rules can vary. In California, verify city-specific ordinances, as some areas allow limited LSV use. Contact your DMV to confirm requirements.
- Ensure Safety Compliance: Most states require seat belts, headlights, and other basics. In California, expect to invest in emissions and safety upgrades to even attempt registration.
- Consider Off-Road Use: Newer Kei vehicles (under 25 years) or those in restrictive states like California are limited to private property, a workaround for enthusiasts.
- Join the Community: Forums like r/keitruck on Reddit or groups like Lone Star Kei offer advice and updates on changing laws, including California’s evolving scene.
- Rent Before You Buy: Platforms like GetRentacar.com let you test-drive Kei vehicles to see if they fit your needs without committing.
The Road Ahead
The Kei vehicle movement is gaining steam, with Texas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Louisiana leading with clear legislation. California remains a challenge, with no laws permitting broad Kei vehicle use and strict regulations limiting them to low-speed roads or private land. Advocacy for change is growing, but for now, Golden State enthusiasts face an uphill battle. If you’re in a Kei-friendly state, it’s time to hunt for that perfect Suzuki Carry or Honda Acty. And if you’re in California, consider joining advocacy efforts to bring Kei freedom to your roads.
Got a Kei vehicle or dreaming of one? Drop your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below—especially if you’re navigating California’s rules! Let’s keep the Kei love alive!
Disclaimer: Laws change frequently, so always verify with your local DMV before purchasing or driving a Kei vehicle. This post is for informational purposes only and isn’t legal advice.