Reasonable Judgment Wins: Texas Approves Kei Cars

      Honda

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      Kei car owners and enthusiasts have achieved a significant win in Texas. Lawmakers in the state have enacted a law permitting the “titling, registration, and operation of a miniature vehicle,” which includes kei cars or trucks from the Japanese market, as long as they are at least 25 years old.

      The bill, referred to as S.B. 1816, was introduced by Texas senator Kelly Hancock on March 3 and was approved by legislators on Wednesday. This law marks the last phase in lifting a contentious ban on kei cars that was inconsistently enforced across Texas. This development provides enthusiasts with much-needed assurance, enabling them to purchase a kei car without concerns about whether the Texas DMV will issue a title or if that title might be revoked in the future. The only requirement is that the vehicle must adhere to applicable federal regulations.

      Since there are no federal regulations specific to kei cars, the new Texas statute categorizes them like any other import vehicle. For imported cars that have not yet reached the age of 25, they must meet the same safety and emission standards as American-market vehicles to be eligible for registration in Texas (unless they qualify for the Show and Display exemption, which generally applies to high-end cars).

      Additionally, adapting most foreign-market cars to meet American standards can be exorbitantly costly and impractical; even manufacturers struggle to justify the expense. This law becomes effective as soon as a vehicle turns 25 years old. If you acquire a kei truck manufactured before May 2000, you're in the clear in Texas.

      Honda

      Notably, the version of the bill going to the governor’s desk lacks the detail of the initial draft presented last March. The original version defined a miniature vehicle as a car, truck, van, or bus powered by an engine that displaces less than 1.2 liters, made in Japan, with a maximum speed of at least 50 mph, and up to 60 inches wide, 140 inches long, and 80 inches tall.

      The current definition of a “miniature vehicle” in the law is much less specific. It simply states that a “miniature vehicle” must comply with federal law and must not be a custom vehicle, street rod, neighborhood electric vehicle, golf cart, or off-highway vehicle. Hence, while Texas is a welcoming place for importing a Honda Acty, those wanting to bring in a Citroën Ami or register a golf cart will still face challenges.

      While enthusiasts in Texas can feel relieved, the battle against kei vehicles continues throughout the nation. This struggle is occurring on a state-by-state basis, often supported by a non-profit organization called the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), which is determined to eliminate kei cars and trucks from the roads. Colorado nearly prohibited kei vehicles in December 2024, but quickly reversed that decision. Massachusetts reinstated kei vehicle registrations in September 2024, but they remain illegal in some states.

      Honda

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