Japan’s small keitora trucks have become popular among American car enthusiasts, and many of these tiny trucks have been imported into the country.
However, a recommendation from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) in 2021 advised states to ban cars that don’t meet FMVSS standards, which includes keijidōsha (kei cars). This caused some states like Wisconsin, Maine, Georgia, Rhode Island, New York, and Pennsylvania to revoke registrations of imported vehicles.
But Texas has taken a different approach. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has declared that kei trucks are legal to drive on Texas roads, and this decision is final. This makes Texas the first state since the AAMVA recommendation to allow imported cars to be legally driven again, despite federal law stating that any imported car older than 25 years is legal.
In the past, Texas had rejected a law to officially legalize kei trucks in the state, but some enthusiasts managed to register and drive their trucks anyway. However, it was always understood that non-FMVSS-compliant cars were not legal in Texas. Last week, the Texas DMV changed its policy with a letter sent to all county tax assessor-collectors and licensed dealers, providing guidance on titling and registering mini vehicles.
The letter states that counties should start accepting and processing title and registration applications for mini vehicles. Import documents should be provided when applicable, and off-highway use vehicles should be titled but not registered. Delinquent transfer penalties should not be collected for mini vehicles affected by this decision.
This is a victory for car enthusiasts in Texas, and advocates are now working to make similar legal changes in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maine. It’s a step forward for those who love these unique vehicles.
