Registering a Kei truck in the United States is a complex process that varies significantly by state and, in some cases, by county. While the federal 25-year import exemption allows older Kei trucks to bypass certain safety and emissions standards, state-level laws ultimately determine whether these vehicles can be titled, registered, and driven on public roads. Below is an in-depth breakdown of the current regulations as of 2025.

States Where 25+ Year-Old Kei Trucks Are Street Legal

Several states permit the registration and use of Kei trucks on public roads, often with specific conditions. These states generally allow older Kei trucks (meeting the 25-year exemption) to be registered for road use, though restrictions such as speed limits or usage zones may apply.

States with Favorable Policies

1. Montana
   • One of the most lenient states for vehicle registration. Kei trucks can be registered for full road use without significant restrictions. Permanent registration is available for vehicles over 11 years old, and no sales tax applies.
2. Idaho
   • Permits Kei trucks on public roads with minimal restrictions. Local ordinances may apply in certain counties.
3. Oregon
   • Allows registration for road use but may impose limitations based on emissions compliance or safety features.
4. Florida
   • Kei trucks can be registered as low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and are legal on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Counties may impose additional restrictions.
5. North Dakota & South Dakota
   • Both states allow Kei trucks to be registered for road use, particularly in rural areas where they are popular for farming and light-duty transport.
6. Arizona
   • Legal for public road use with compliance to safety and emissions requirements. Speed limits may apply depending on the classification of the vehicle.
7. Oklahoma & Texas
   • Permitted for agricultural purposes or within designated areas. Texas allows them on roads with speed limits up to 45 mph.
8. Missouri & Tennessee
   • Commonly registered for agricultural use but can also be titled for limited road use under specific conditions.
9. Nebraska
   • Permitted with compliance to state safety standards and emissions regulations.
10. Louisiana
    • Allowed in rural areas, particularly for farming purposes, with fewer restrictions compared to urban zones.

States with Moderate Restrictions

Some states allow Kei trucks but impose stricter requirements or limit their use to specific circumstances:

1. North Carolina
   • Categorized as low-speed vehicles (LSVs), allowing operation on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
2. Indiana & Kansas
   • Legal on public roads except state and federal highways or interstates.
3. Illinois & Virginia
   • Can be registered as antique or special-use vehicles but face heavy restrictions on public road usage.