The short answer
Yes — in most states a Japanese kei truck that is at least 25 years old can be imported, titled, registered and driven on public roads. The federal 25-year rule exempts the vehicle from FMVSS and EPA conformity requirements, so what remains is ordinary state titling and registration.
How the 25-year import rule works
Once a vehicle passes its 25th birthday from the month of manufacture, it can legally enter the United States as a classic import. Every truck we sell at Shivers MiniTrucks is already stateside, customs-cleared and inspected, so you never touch an import form.
Titling and registration, step by step
- We hand you the bill of sale, the Japanese export certificate with translation, and the customs entry paperwork.
- Your local DMV or tag agency assigns a state VIN if the chassis number is non-standard.
- You register as a truck, an off-highway vehicle, or an antique depending on your state’s category.
States with highway restrictions
A handful of states limit kei trucks to roads posted at 55 mph or below, or classify them as low-speed vehicles. Rules change often, so call us at (321) 359-3598 before you buy and we will confirm the current situation for your state.
Insurance
Most major carriers will write a standard policy once the truck is titled. Classic and specialty insurers are usually the cheapest option for a 25-plus-year-old import.
Browse our inspected kei truck inventory or talk to a specialist.