Mini Trucks to the USA (2024)

FAQs

Are mini trucks legal in the US? ›

It's important to note that none of the 50 states allow mini trucks on interstate highways. This is due to safety reasons and the fact that most Kei trucks can only reach a maximum speed of 65 mph, which is lower than the speed limit on interstates.

Kei-Trucks.com has established a streamlined logistics network that spans the entire United States. We partner with a reliable shipping provider to guarantee quick and efficient delivery of Kei trucks to our customers' doorsteps.

The 25-year-old Kei Truck Loophole

While the import of new Kei trucks is effectively banned by the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988, once a Kei truck reaches the age of 25, it is reclassified as a classic vehicle in the US.

Well, the Japanese mini truck is the perfect truck for you! Mini trucks are amazing go-anywhere machines that are fun, durable, easy to maintain and extremely affordable (starting at $800 for a good condition 25 year old one and up to more than $5000 for those around 10 years old with dump boxes).

California — For off-roading and street driving, mini trucks are authorized in California. Delaware — All mini trucks are allowed to drive on both public streets and highways in this area. Florida — If you want to drive a registered mini truck, you must do it on public roadways at no more than 35 mph.

A person must be licensed to drive a kei vehicle. The registration costs $15, specific ownership tax is $3, and the kei vehicle is issued a license plate. Kei vehicles must follow the rules of the road and cannot be driven on limited-access highways or roads with a speed limit that is greater than 55 miles per hour.

Kei trucks that are 25 years old or older may be eligible for street-legal status in certain states. This is due to the federal 25-year import rule, which exempts vehicles 25 years or older from having to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

What Is The Maximum Speed Of Kei Trucks? For Japanese mini trucks, the speed could go up to 62-75 mph. You should remember that these trucks, by vehicle class and by law, were only designed for a maximum speed of about 50 mph.

On average, Kei trucks can achieve impressive gas mileage in the range of 30 to 40 miles per gallon (mpg). Their compact size and nimbleness make them well-suited for urban settings. Highway Driving: While primarily designed for city use, Kei trucks can also deliver excellent gas mileage on the highway.

In some cases, Kei cars have been classified as "off-road vehicles," deemed unfit for road use. In other cases, state DMVs have pointed to the lack of compliance with federal safety standards as justification for banning them.

Is a Suzuki Carry a Kei truck? ›

The Suzuki Carry is the best selling Kei truck of the time, providing great value and utility in a convenient small package. This Carry features 4WD and Air condition / heater, Hi-Lo gears, Diff lock and 5-speed manual.

These bans originated from the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988, which aimed to protect American consumers by ensuring that all vehicles on the road met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

Street Legal Mini Trucks in the USA

You can register and drive Japanese mini trucks in most states if they are over 25 years old. Since most Japanese mini trucks were never sold in the US market, they have not been certified by the government for street use.

Currently, approximately 20 states allow Kei trucks to be driven on the road — though not Kei cars — in the same vein that Utility Task Vehicles (a.k.a. side-by-sides) are street legal in certain areas. Typically, speed restrictions apply, as does a ban on highway use.

Mini Trucks typically go for 120,000 miles and beyond. It depends on how well you care for them.

Yes, it's highway legal. While cars in general are embiggening, in some cities a new breed of electric microcars are trending. They're cheaper to own, easier to park, consume less public space and energy, and maneuver around obstacles that would otherwise block big SUVs and snarl traffic.

Despite a product portfolio that's up to ten years old, MINI USA's sales grew by an impressive 13.5% in 2023 compared to 2022.

Understanding the Kei Truck Category

Under the hood, they're powered by engines no larger than 660 cc. Despite their small size, these trucks are surprisingly capable, with an average weight of around 700 kg (1,500 lb) and an ungoverned top speed that can reach up to 120 km/h (75 mph).

And Win. In a surprising twist, Texas didn't clamp down on Kei trucks. Instead, its DMV decided to completely reverse its ban on Kei trucks. Now, a Honda Acty is just as legal in Texas as a Smart Fortwo.