Yes, this Kei van is one of the coolest JDM things I've seen all year, or maybe I'm just having major withdrawals from not visiting Japan in 2020. But theres an exception: 21 states allow kei trucks (also known as mini-trucks) of any age to be imported as off-road vehicles and registered as ATVs, and many of these states happen to allow ATVs to be driven on public roads. California takes emission rates seriously. But a few states allow limited or incidental use of mini trucks on public highways. Rhode Island does not allow the use of mini trucks on state roads. Also, mini trucks dont meet U.S road safety requirements and the older models use non-EPA engines that cannot pass emission tests for public roads. According to Jalopnik, the engine cant be bigger than 660cc (0.67 liters) and cant make more than 64 hp. In Oregon Kei trucks are used by hunters, farmers, ranchers, loggers, and anyone else who finds UTV's practical for their work or recreational activities. Yes, technically, but be prepared to fight for it. For some more info on Rhode Island and a few other New England states: www.savethekei.com. The California government has made it legal to use mini trucks for off-road driving and on the streets with a strict no to their usage on the highways. Based on this document it all seems possible to me, there is even a kei truck at the bottom used as an example for one of these vehicles. All you need to do is go to the port near California and pickup your vehicle. Mini trucks are allowed for street use only in California. Nevertheless, you should be able to obtain your license plate and proceed down the road in your gleaming little vehicle as long as you arrive prepared with all of the necessary information, with a healthy dose of tolerance and explanation. A Honda Acty truck will set you back around $2,000 to 12,000, depending on the year of manufacture. September 10, 2022. I immediately ran to the DMV to grab my plates before they changed their minds. Here are a few that Ive encountered in the 18 months that Ive lived in the Beehive State. A Brief History of the Nissan Skyline the GT-Rs Immediate Ancestor Email:sales@minitruckimports.comContact:337-783-8633Business Address:3461 Branch Highway Branch, Louisiana, 70516. A kei truck also cant be longer than 11.2 long, wider than 4.85, or taller than 6.5. California. Honda Other Acty 550cc Street Legal Kei Mini Pick Up Truck Honda Mini Trucks Trucks Inventory mini trucks Featured. They have a chassis number instead. The Japanese Kei trucks are certainly familiar to you unless you live under a rock. Any other Kei cars you're thinking of buying? Maine is now requiring imported vehicles to carry an EPA compliance sticker, which, as an import, is an impossibility. In addition to being popular in Japan, mini trucks and Kei trucks are imported and adored worldwide. To answer OP's question, most Kei trucks you'll see in California will not have California plates. Local personnel may be perplexed by several distinctions between American and Japanese automobiles. But be assured that, aside from these limitations, practically every state in the United States considers it permissible to possess and operate a mini truck on public roadways. This is the first kei-car I ever noticed in the wild a sixth-generation Mitsubishi Minicab, which I saw back back in 2013 at the Lexington Inn in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where the mini-truck laws are largely the same at Utahs though this one is unique in the fact that, well, it technically isnt a mini-truck but rather a minivan. Iowa does not allow the use of mini trucks on its public roads. mb. You can only use mini trucks on West Virginia roads when moving farm product and livestock from a farm along the state highway to a storage or packing facility within a distance of 35 miles. A 523 error means that Cloudflare could not reach your host web server. Quite frankly, they're too tiny for the majority of Americans that live by the old saying, "bigger is better". Heres a tenth-generation Suzuki Carry, built from 2002 to 2009. This is a very unique truck in which it has custom made rear fenders and makes it really look like a mini truck! HR179 was introduced at this session and discussed. Performance & security by Cloudflare. On a whim I decided to risk leaving my comfortable job with a mere logo concept and start my new career working with cars. Did you find wrong information or was something missing. RoundCat even installed a bed camper on one. My appointment was canceled until further notice. Instead, theyre fun because theyre from a different country, their steering wheels are on the other side, theyre cheap, very few people in the U.S. have ever seen one, and theyre just plain weird. What's it like to drive? Mini trucks are street legal in Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of @reemodrawscars including wheels for his Miata. 2022 Toyota Tundra is the Only Current Truck to Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Rating, New Ford F-150 Gets IIHS Top Safety Pick, But the Base F-150 Still Has Poor Headlights, 2020 Toyota Tacoma Scores An IIHS Top Safety Pick Rating Thanks To Updated Headlights. Thats likely why stripped-down small off-road SUVs like the Suzuki Jimny are so popular. The list of all states and any applicable minitruck legislation is shown below. However, as you might have guessed, they never made it to U.S. shores. I would never recommend a vehicle I wouldn't drive myself. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Alaska has no state laws regarding mini truck use. Importing 4x4 used Japanese mini K trucks, minivans such as dump bed, jumbo cab etc has never been easier. Delaware Tell us a little bit about yourself, Joe. The only drawbacks to these off-road vehicles are their hefty price tags and some limitations imposed by US federal governments. However, all that being said, there are people who off-road They will not be used for employment, transportation to and from employment or school, or for commercial purposes. Texas. Colorado. I registered my 1995 Hijet the day after I got it to NH. 2022 TFLtruck.com - Road Chaser, Inc. All rights reserved. To protect their investments and market, U.S. automobile manufacturers lobbied Congress and state legislatures to ramp up restrictions on the importation of these venerable workhorses. DMV can title your commercial vehicle and register heavy trucks or permanent fleet vehicles up to 26,000 pounds or over 26,000 pounds if it is: Most people that drop a lot of money on a right-hand-drive JDM import would invest into something like a Skyline or Silvia. After two long months of searching, I randomly came across a Craigslist ad that had a very vague main photo and description. The mini trucks are only legal for off-road purposes and not streets or highways. We have been importing these efficient and sturdy mini trucks since 2005, so we have extensive understanding of them. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. This one was at the Red Cliffs Lodge in southern Utah, about 15 miles east of Moab. Wheel spacers are one such. And Petrolicious reported that one Jeep designer bought a Honda Acty to commute and haul things like furniture, bricks, and Home Depot purchases. I became an auto broker selling the latest and greatest cars to clients. Nowadays, Kei cars are a staple of the JDM scene, and if you happen to own a Kei truck like the Honda Acty, you get major respect points, even next to Supras and GT-R's! A lifelong car enthusiast, he worked in the auto industry for a bit, helping Germans design cars for Americans, and now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. A 523 error means that Cloudflare could not reach your host web server. Do you know what the process is in Maryland if you have only the import papers from the dealer? The state of Maine allows mini trucks on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph. The fully street-legal recreation is based on a 3D model extracted directly from the Halo game, allowing Bryant to match the truck's measurements to the in-game version. A post shared by RoundCat Racing (@roundcatracing) on Dec 24, 2019 at 12:36pm PST. You can only use them in off-road situations such as on the farm. Their engines are mid-mounted, and they dont come with front or side airbags. For additional details about American street-legal mini trucks, please keep reading. Half of our staff hasn't either, but at least we know a thing or two about Kei car (pronounced "kay"). Where local ordinances permit, you can use mini trucks on roads with a posted speed limit below 35 mph. Kei trucks fit into the broader kei car category. and our Are there any restrictions to its use or can someone just use the vehicle like any other vehicle on the road? In California, you are allowed to use the vehicle in the streets as well as on off-roads. This is an ultra rare left hand drive and runs great! But companies like 4Sons Off-Road can lift a mini truck and install off-road tires, or even replace them with tank-like tracks. Email: sales . Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Basically, think of a kei truck as a bigger ATV with a pickup bed. You will see them all over Seattle, as a reader told us. Under this rule, mini trucks over 25 years old or more are exempted from DOT regulations. It is, after all, currently the greatest choice for off-road and outdoor use. California has no specific laws governing the use of mini trucks on public roads. In fact, their use as off-road vehicles is also strictly restricted as you can only use them to move from one part of your farm to another. You can see where this is going. In addition, drivers must be at least 16 years old to operate a mini truck. However, the engine can be turbocharged, and many are. In California, you are allowed to use the vehicle in the streets as well as on off-roads. On my free time, I've always enjoyed looking up cars you don't always see in the United States. Post about your kei trucks. some compromises. Prices vary, especially because it is technically legal to bring over a brand-new mini truck for off-road use, according to importer Bokei USA. Since kei trucks happen to be extremely practical, its not uncommon to see these weird, tiny Japanese automobiles with the steering wheel on the wrong side scurrying around downtown Salt Lake, or being used at one of the dozens of resorts in Southern Utah. Arizona allows on-road use of mini trucks with a speed limit of 55 mph. Minitruck Imports sells both new and used Japanese Mini trucks. Mini trucks have 16 digit vins and are mechanically or electronically limited to lower speeds. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Yes, they are allowed. Kei trucks weigh approximately 1,800lbs and have a cargo capability ranging from 500 to 1,400 pounds. I was sent to CHP [California Highway Patrol] for VIN verification and was told I would need the title, all import documents, smog and insurance. If you know of any updates to these ordinances, drop us a line! Apparently the VT State Police have sent around an email to all DMV employees saying not to register Kei trucks. dw. However, they are difficult for other vehicles to drive because of their harsh and difficult ride. Mini trucks are permitted here. Driving and owning mini trucks is considered lawful, with or without limitations, in some but not all states. Are Japanese Kei trucks street legal? Buy Japanese mini kei trucks and import to California. The Bravo weighs in at 1,920 pounds, has a 660cc four-cylinder, top speed of 75mph and all-wheel-drive. 173.236.136.90 As a result, they generally arent sold outside of the big cities in Japan, mainly because they really arent that suitable for use anywhere else let alone in the sprawling United States. March 6, 2019. This restriction is for safety reasons as most kei trucks can only make 65 mph which is lower than the speed limit on interstates. Please enter your username or email address. True, their small stock wheels do limit ground clearance. If imported under the 25 year federal rule you can register in Florida. You can only use them in off-road situations such as on the farm. If you are interested in a kei truck, there are a number of importers and modifiers in the US that deal with these trucks. Joe's been around Japanese cars all of his life but the moment he laid eyes on this particular Bravo earlier this year, his mind was set. "Class I off-highway vehicle" includes mini-trucks. You can use mini trucks on Utah roads with a 50 mph speed restriction or less except on the interstate. Teeny-tiny and (mostly) street legal, kei trucks are adorable and useful, like working pets. But the vehicle must be 25 years old and above and you will need to register with collector plates. The thing is that the truck has to be under 600cc's to be eligeble to be registered. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The only thing they asked for was a VIN verification form. . If you look hard enough, you can find a used 4X4 mini truck with serious off road potential for significantly less than various ATVs cost. Any and all parts have to come from Japan, so expect to pay high shipping for your parts. He couldn't stop smiling when he saw the van. As such they are usually prohibited to be driven on state roads. Mini trucks are allowed on Oklahoma roads with no speed limitations. The Honda Acty mini truck is a small JDM truck in the Kei truck category from 1977 to 2021. In Japan, theyre used as fire trucks. And because these trucks have been finding an audience here, there are even parts suppliers to make maintenance easier. As "off-road" vehicles, mini trucks are legal to . Can you reveal to us how you were able to pick up the Bravo? You are free to receive your mini truck directly from the port if you have a trailer and reside close to an important port. The Japanese Kei trucks are certainly familiar to you unless you live under a rock. Importing 4x4 used Japanese mini K trucks, minivans such as dump bed, jumbo cab etc has never been easier. We have tried to make the information in this piece as factual as possible, but laws can change with time in individual states. However, these compact trucks are ordinary in Asia, and recently, they . The 25-year rule is an exception to the plethora of legislation that makes it difficult to import and use mini trucks in the US. They're regulated by size, displacement and power, have been around since World War II, and still remain. Which is More Reliable: 3.5L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8? Mini trucks are not allowed on public roads in New Mexico. This is a sticky so that new members can quickly check. However, the engine can be turbocharged, and many are. Some are converted into mini dump trucks, and quite a few have been used to plow snow. We will take care all of the shipping and handling to California from Japan. Sounds like you know your stuff! But based on the reciprocity of state motor vehicle registration, Alaska may allow non-residents to operate a vehicle registered in another state for 60 days. A nice find! Aside from what is specifically stated in this Ordinance, all mini truck activities must adhere to Minnesota Statutes Section 169.045. This list is a work in progress. I have to wonder if this still fell under the mini-truck classification for import purposes, or if there was a bending of the rules involved. Haha! Kei Trucks Make & Models To import a Kei truck into the United States it must first be 25 years or older. That said, California allows the use of Japanese mini trucks with some limitations. Tennessee allows mini trucks on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UTVS) are in late demand and high demand on the global market. Driving a mini truck is legal on the fixed speed limit of 55mph. But you can use them for farm purposes. Owners regularly use them to haul motorcycles and mountain bikes. As a result, people are being drawn to the Japanese mini truck, which is far more affordable and accessible to everybody. Mini trucks are not street legal in Vermont and even registering them can be a hassle. Just make sure you are clear to the tax collector how it was imported and that it does not meet Floridas definition of a mini truck. They are widely used on farms, unpaved roads, and private properties such as resorts and golf courses. A 15s( I currently run 14s) I keep getting tagged in some Kei truck with 20 Donk wheels next to it, heres to you @wheel_good_deals! It is legal to use mini trucks on Mississippi public roads but you need to provide a bill of sale, $100 title bond and an application of ownership. Its also rare to find one with A/C. The state of Delaware has no laws regarding the use of mini trucks on its streets and highways. Otherwise, they would refuse to register your vehicle. Get In Touch. While street legal in Japan, the . Registered as historic if that helps anyone. These trucks weight helps them scramble over rocks, and sink less in the snow than a bigger truck might. Don't forget to upvote and Join and ring a bell . Numerous shipping firms provide port pickup for certain autos. They are also used daily for personal and business purposes on their roads. 1994 Honda Acty Mini truck, 4x4 with in cab heater, 53k Miles, has a 660cc engine, and 5 speed manual transmission. This age limit is for the government to bypass the DOT (Department of Transportation) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for the vehicle to be considered legal in the American domestic market. How hard was it? None of the 50 states allow mini trucks on interstate highways. Now, as you might already know, the United States forbids the importation and registration of any non-federalized, foreign-market vehicle that isnt at least 25 years old; a rule that applies to kei cars and most desirable JDM models as a whole. You can also use them on public roads except state and federal highways and interstates. On June 21, 2019, Governor Cooper of North Carolina signed into law the HB 179, thus allowing mini trucks to be licensed and used on all NC roads. Top 5 Pros & Cons of Getting a Diesel vs. Gas Alabama 01/01/2012 any road except interstate highways 25 mph mini-truck, Arkansas 07/30/09 roads with a posted speed limit of 55 mph or less excluding interstate highways and controlled access highways if vehicle is being used exclusively for farm purposes 55 mph mini-truck, California 01/01/07 located on a natural island with an area in excess of 20,000 acres and that is within a county having a population in excess of 4,000,000 no autoette, Florida 06/16/09 roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less 35 mph mini truck, Idaho 01/01/09 local option no utility type vehicle (UTV), Illinois 08/31/07 roads with a posted speed limit of less than 35 mph if allowed by local ordinance 25 mph neighborhood vehicle, Kansas 07/01/08 public roads except interstate, federal or state highways; within corporate city limits if allowed under local ordinance no micro utility truck, Kentucky 6/24/13 local option no mini-truck, Louisiana 08/15/08 roads with a posted speed limit of 55 mph or less except interstate highways, controlled access highways, or multi-lane divided highways with partial or no control of access no mini-truck, Maine est. And I want one. Mini trucks are street legal in places where local ordinances allow but they can only be used to cross state roads. Local vehicle manufacturers championed the law to stymy external competition. I've always modified my own cars to make it unique and fit my style, with my first vehicle, a 1991 Nissan 240SX, to 14 cars later, my current daily, a Tesla Model 3 dual motor and project car, the Mitsubishi Bravo. Massachusetts has one of the strictest transport laws in the union and does not allow mini trucks on its roads. Click to reveal This is a 1980 Daihatsu Micro Kei truck, and this comes with a clean Vermont Title/Registration and is street legal! Maryland does not allow the use of mini trucks on public roads. Kei trucks were also commonly sold with four-wheel drive. The state of Texas does not allow the use of mini trucks on its roads. It was different, unique and definitely not something you typically see in California. Kei trucks were designed for work. Thousands of kei class mini trucks have been imported from Japan to Canada by registered importers and individuals alike. I think I could do it! The California government has made it legal to use mini trucks for off-road driving and on the streets with a strict no to their usage on the highways. Known as Kei trucks in Japan these workhorses are practical, fuel efficient, functional, and cool. Financing Available on all vehicles with $0 down! Owner: This Low Miles 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 HD Cummins Diesel Video: I Finally Found the Most Affordable Toyota Tacoma! How much is a Honda Acty? Appointment with CHP was set, I was nervous as hell, then the pandemic hit. I went in once and had no luck. $5,995.00. A kei truck also can't be longer than 11.2' long, wider than 4.85', or taller than 6.5'. But you may still use them in off-road situations. However, the law should be clear that you can drive your mini truck outsideyour private property. You can also hire a maritime attorney or offshore accident lawyer to handle any issues when importing mini trucks including personal injury in California. While modifying the van, I was persistent on calling them weekly to see when they can see me. Mini-trucks are right at home in these environments. Employ a company to receive and handle the documentation so the mini vehicle may pass customs. in similarly-equipped Jeeps. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. howImetyoursquirrel 2 yr. ago I started doing research and contacting importers to see how I could acquire one. They are, Benefits of Wheel Spacers on Mini Trucks There are several afterparts for mini trucks that enhance their performance and drive. The second step is registering your truck at the DMV closest to you. It looked like it was owned by a waterproofing company that was presumably working to put the finishing touches on the newly opened Eccles Theater. As a result, and given the legal flexibility offered by the state, they end up being bought en masse by resorts and other places with grounds to keep. Conversely, states where the U.S made automobile dealers hold sway take a stricter view to the use of mini trucks. Only municipal ordinances in Missouri allow for the use of little trucks. Since it's a Japanese import, there are 11 characters in the VIN instead of the usual 17, needless to say the DMV didn't have any info on this car in their system. This procedure might differ from one state to another and from one person to another. 1997 Nissan Caravan GT Cruise Turbo Diesel $15,995 100% Federally Legal USA Titled -In Stock- 54k Certified Original Miles JEVIC Certificate of Odometer Verification Unfortunately, owning a kei truck does mean dealing with However, this is subject to local ordinances. Mini trucks are allowed for street use only in California. WELCOME TO THE NUMBER 1 MINITRUCK IMPORTER IN THE U.S.! My wife and I decided to leave work on a Tuesday afternoon with cash in hand knowing we're coming home with the car no matter what. [Reader Question], Which Silverado Engine to Get: 5.3L or 6.2L V8? That's when I realized the van would better suit us. Anyone can choose this option, which might help you avoid paying expensive customs taxes. 9/09 roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less 25 mph low-speed vehicle, Minnesota 08/01/09 local option local option mini truck, Missouri 08/14/08 local option 45 mph utility vehicle, Nebraska 01/01/11 any road except interstate highways, freeways or expressways no minitruck, New Hampshire 9/11/10 roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less located within 25 miles of the registrants home or place of business no low-speed utility vehicle, North Dakota 08/01/07 any paved road except highways with a posted speed of more than 65 mph 55 mph off-highway vehicle, Ohio 01/01/17 roads with a posted speed limit of less than 35 mph if allowed by local ordinance (effective 01/01/17) 35 mph (effective 01/01/17) mini-truck (effective 01/01/17), Oklahoma 11/01/08 any road except interstate highways no mini-truck, Tennessee 07/01/08 streets where the posted speed limit is less than 40 mph; a county or municipality may prohibit the operation of medium-speed vehicles on any road under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that such a prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety 35 mph mini-truck, Utah 10/01/08 any road except an interstate freeway; limited access highway; street within a county of the first class; or a municipality that is within a county of the first class 45 mph off-highway vehicle or street-legal all-terrain vehicle, Wyoming 01/01/08 any road except interstate highways if a multipurpose vehicle is incapable of achieving the maximum speed allowed on the specific highway, it shall be operated on the extreme right hand edge of the roadway multipurpose vehicle.