Kei Japanese Mini Trucks
The little kei Japanese mini trucks are still in the crosshairs of many states, and there may be some states that are making it a little easier, some that are making it harder, but in the long run, there’s still a lot of headwinds against these trucks.

What Is a Kei Japanese Mini Truck?
Well, this is a truck kind of looks like this. It’s basically designed and created on the chassis of a motorcycle—small two-cycle or maybe two or three-cylinder engine. Doesn’t have a lot of horsepower, less than 100, 50, or 60 horsepower. Can probably barely get up to highway speeds, but for around-town commuting, it’s a great little truck. Lots of people like them because they’re cheap, they can haul stuff. It’s kind of like having a big wheelbarrow you can take to Home Depot.

State Regulations and Controversies
But many states don’t allow them to be registered or titled because they’re considered to be not safe. Big controversy about that. Big dispute. People have difference of opinions. The problem is they were never designed for U.S. roads, but there was a loophole in the import laws, which means that if a car was more than 25 years old, it didn’t have to go through the same type of emissions and inspections that it did for other cars being imported.

Import and Registration Challenges
But that only exempted it from import requirements, not state registration requirements. You still have to import it. You still have to go through the process. You didn’t, you know—your reading will be back in 8 seconds. In the meantime, remember you have access to live one-on-one consultation, undivided attention of a licensed, certified expert in this subject and many others. We want to listen to your story. We want to hear your questions and give you expert advisement of your options. We want to tell you what we know about your situation and what options you have. Now, back to your reading.

State Denials and Revocations
Evade it, but it didn’t have to conform to the same physical characteristics. But then when you went to register in your state, your state could still deny the title or registration, and many states do. In fact, many states were revoking ones that had already been issued.

Future Considerations and Federal Regulations
So what do you do about it? Well, you need to look to see if your state allows them, but more importantly, look at the future. Because even though some states are starting to let them be on the road, there are some federal guidelines that might be kicking in as part of the new administration and some of the import duties and tariffs which will prohibit these cars from going on the road.

Automakers’ Stand on Kei Mini Trucks
Look, the automakers and even the Japanese import automakers don’t want these cars on the road in the U.S. because it takes market share away from their other vehicles, and it’s also more difficult to get parts. So if you have one of these and you want it for a second vehicle, round-town vehicle, just know that there may be a chance that even if you are able to get a registration or title, it may be pulled at some point.

Possible Restrictions Even After Registration
And if you are going to try to go to another state to get one, you still might not be able to drive it in your state. So these kei Japanese mini trucks are controversial. If you want more information, you can click the link below.