Almost every question we get about imported mini trucks comes back to one rule: the federal 25-year exemption. Here is what it actually says, and what it means for the trucks in our inventory.
What the rule is
Motor vehicles imported into the United States normally have to comply with FMVSS (safety) and EPA emissions standards. A vehicle that is at least 25 years old, measured from its month of manufacture, is exempt from FMVSS under NHTSA rules, and vehicles 21 years or older are exempt from EPA certification requirements. That is why right-hand-drive Japanese kei trucks that were never sold new in the US can legally enter the country once they cross the 25-year line.
Which model years qualify in 2026
In 2026, any kei truck built in 2001 or earlier is eligible, month by month. A truck built in June 2001 becomes importable in June 2026. Every vehicle we list has already cleared customs and has its import paperwork completed before it reaches you, so eligibility is never something you have to calculate yourself.
Paperwork you receive
- Bill of sale from Shivers Mini Trucks
- Customs entry documentation (CBP Form 7501)
- NHTSA HS-7 and EPA 3520-1 declarations showing the age exemption
- Japanese export certificate with translation
That packet is what your state DMV wants to see when you title the truck.
What the rule does not cover
The 25-year exemption is a federal import rule. It does not decide whether your state will register the truck for road use, or which roads you can drive on. Some states title and plate kei trucks with no drama; others limit them to farm, off-road, or low-speed use. Check our state-by-state street legality guide before you buy.
Buying with confidence
Every truck on our lot is already imported, inspected, and documented. Browse the current inventory or call (321) 359-3598 and we will confirm the build month and paperwork on any specific unit.
Ready to buy? Browse our mini trucks for sale — every kei truck for sale ships for a flat $510 anywhere in the continental U.S.