In Quincy, Massachusetts, Ray Moy has developed a passion for kei trucks, a class of small Japanese vehicles. Moy’s collection of these unique automobiles started during the pandemic when he purchased his first one. Since then, he has acquired a total of eight kei trucks, a few of which he has sold, with two more on the way. Despite their small size and quirky appearance, kei trucks can be purchased for as little as $3,000, making them an affordable option for car enthusiasts like Moy. In fact, Moy has even created a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing these charming vehicles.
However, Moy recently encountered a roadblock when he tried to register a new kei truck at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). To his surprise, he was informed that kei trucks do not meet federal safety standards and therefore cannot be registered in the state. This decision marks a significant shift in policy, as federal law has historically allowed the importation of older kei cars and trucks. Massachusetts has now included kei trucks on a list of vehicles that cannot be registered in the state, leaving kei truck owners uncertain about the future of their beloved vehicles.
The Massachusetts RMV has acknowledged the concerns raised by kei truck owners and is currently reviewing industry standards related to these mini trucks. Public feedback received at a recent MassDOT Board of Directors meeting will be taken into consideration during these discussions. The RMV’s primary focus is on ensuring the safety of all road users in Massachusetts, which has prompted the reevaluation of laws pertaining to the registration of kei trucks.
While importing cars falls under federal jurisdiction, individual states have the authority to determine which vehicles can be registered for road use. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has recommended against registering kei trucks for on-road use, citing safety concerns. This recommendation has added to the confusion surrounding the registration of kei trucks, as federal approval for importation does not guarantee state registration.
At a recent MassDOT board meeting, retired mechanic Arty Chados, a kei truck enthusiast, expressed his love for these unique vehicles. Chados, who owns a Subaru Sambar, emphasized the fun and practicality of kei trucks. Despite the current legality of his registration, Chados, like many other kei truck owners, is uncertain about the future status of his vehicle’s registration in Massachusetts.
Another kei truck owner, Joe Rose, drives a Daihatsu Midget II, a small kei truck with just one seat. Rose is prepared to establish an LLC in a state that permits the registration of kei trucks if Massachusetts decides to stop registering them. He highlights the potential loss of revenue for the state due to the registration fees and taxes associated with these vehicles. Rose also raises concerns about the implications of this decision on other classic cars that may not meet current federal safety standards.
As the Massachusetts RMV continues to evaluate the registration of kei trucks, kei truck owners like Moy, Chados, and Rose remain hopeful that a solution can be reached to allow them to continue enjoying their unique vehicles on the road. The outcome of these deliberations will not only impact the future of kei trucks in Massachusetts but also set a precedent for the registration of other unconventional vehicles in the state.
