Mini Marvels on American Roads: How Kei Trucks Are Finally Getting the Green Light Across the U.S.

Once dismissed as “too small” or “too foreign,” Japan’s tiny workhorses—known as kei trucks—are slowly but surely becoming road-legal in more U.S. states. These compact, right-hand-drive utility trucks are built for efficiency, affordability, and charm—and they’re winning over American car enthusiasts, farmers, and small business owners alike.

But until recently, many states either banned kei trucks outright or restricted them to off-road use only. Now, thanks to shifting attitudes and federal 25-year import exemptions, these miniature machines are getting a second look.

Here’s everything you need to know about where kei trucks are street legal, partially legal, or still off-limits in the U.S.

What Are Kei Trucks?

Kei trucks (or kei-class trucks) are light-duty utility vehicles that originated in Japan to meet government regulations on size, engine displacement (typically 660cc), and emissions. Despite their small stature, they’re known for being rugged, fuel-efficient, and incredibly versatile.

Because they’re classified as “nonconforming” by U.S. federal safety standards, most kei trucks can only be legally registered once they are 25 years old—thanks to the same exemption law that allows classic imports like the Nissan Skyline R32 into the country.

States Where Kei Trucks Are Legal on Public Roads

The following states allow on-road registration of kei trucks, often with some restrictions based on vehicle age, road type, or speed limits:

  • Washington – Fully legal for on-road use if 25 years or older

  • Texas – SB1816 passed in 2023 legalized 25+ year-old kei trucks statewide

  • Florida – Allowed on roads under 35 mph with county approval

  • North Carolina – Legal for full road use

  • Idaho – Legal on all public roads

  • Indiana – Registered for public roads with no speed cap

  • Oklahoma – Legal except on interstate highways

  • Wyoming – Classified as multipurpose vehicles

  • Wisconsin – Legal with collector or hobbyist plates

  • Mississippi – Full road use allowed with a bonded title

  • Louisiana – Legal on roads up to 55 mph

  • Tennessee – Legal on roads posted 35 mph or lower

  • New Hampshire – Road use limited to 35 mph roads and 25-mile radius

  • Ohio – Legal on roads 35 mph or less

  • South Carolina – Legal up to 55 mph

  • South Dakota – Road use allowed

  • Utah – Legal up to 50 mph roads

  • Arizona – Legal with minor restrictions

  • Nebraska – Legal under certain conditions

  • Kansas – Legal under certain conditions

  • North Dakota – Legal up to 55 mph

  • Massachusetts – Legalized 25+ year-old kei trucks in 2024

States With Partial or Off-Road-Only Use

These states may allow kei trucks for farm, off-road, or recreational use but restrict their use on public roads:

  • California – Street legal only under 55 mph; highway use prohibited

  • New York – Must meet FMVSS/EPA standards (rare for kei trucks)

  • New Jersey – Only allowed if fully FMVSS/EPA compliant

  • West Virginia – Off-road use only within 20 miles of farm

  • Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico, Nevada, Vermont – No current on-road framework or only allow off-road use

States That Currently Ban Kei Trucks for Road Use

A few states still prohibit registration of kei trucks altogether or are actively revoking previously issued titles:

  • Rhode Island – Banned kei truck registrations in 2023 citing safety

  • Maine – Deregistered existing titles in 2021; off-road use only

  • Oregon – No public road use allowed

  • Georgia – Actively revoking kei truck titles since 2022

  • Pennsylvania – Reclassified kei trucks as off-road/farm/antique only

  • Hawaii – Treated as off-road vehicles; not road legal

Pro Tips for Kei Truck Buyers

  • Stick to 25+ year-old models to avoid federal safety compliance issues

  • Verify your local DMV’s stance—some counties vary even within legal states

  • Use off-road registration if needed—many states still allow farm or UTV classification

  • Have proper documentation: bill of sale, export certificate, and import paperwork

  • Call your insurance company to confirm they’ll insure the vehicle (many do now!)

Final Thoughts

The kei truck movement in the U.S. is gaining real momentum—and for good reason. These little giants pack surprising capability, character, and economy into a bite-sized package. As more states open the door to street registration, kei trucks are transforming from niche collector curiosities into practical daily drivers and business tools.

Whether you're cruising downtown or hauling gear on a farm, kei trucks might just be the coolest (and quirkiest) legal import on the road.