Japanese Kei trucks (軽トラック, kei toriakku) and other import brands are a specific class of very small trucks, defined under Japanese law by size, engine displacement, etc. But in practice, the issues facing Kei trucks in the U.S. apply equally to many other imported mini-trucks — Chinese, Indian, or otherwise — that are similarly compact, lightweight, sometimes right-hand drive, often not originally built to U.S. crash and emissions standards. When I say “imported mini-trucks,” that means any of these: Kei trucks, micro-trucks, mini-utility trucks, small compact agricultural trucks, etc.
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Why States Are Increasingly Restricting These Vehicles
There’s a growing trend: states are tightening the rules, or in some cases banning registration entirely for many imported mini/trucks. Some key factors:
• Non-compliance with federal or state safety standards. Many of these mini trucks were built for markets outside the U.S., and thus lack required safety features — air bags, crash protection, lighting, windshield glass, etc. States are under pressure to enforce compliance.
• Emissions and environmental regulations. If a vehicle isn’t certified under EPA or state programs, or can’t be modified to meet them, the registration is often denied.
• State‐specific laws. Even when import is legal, states may limit use (speed caps, roads where they may/may not drive, limitations to farm use or off-road, etc.). Some states have no framework at all, or are actively revoking registrations.
• The 25-year rule. Federal import law provides an exemption for vehicles 25 years old or older from certain regulatory standards. This helps many Kei or mini-trucks that are older, but doesn’t guarantee state registration. Even newer ones may be stuck with few or no options.
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Examples: States Where Registration Is Difficult, Limited, or Banned
Here are some states where Kei or imported mini trucks face real legal or regulatory barriers:
State Status / Key Issues
California Strict emissions, headlights/speed/road use restrictions. Some Kei trucks are barred except for non-highway roads or as off-road, agricultural vehicles.
Maryland, Connecticut, New Mexico, Iowa, Nevada, Vermont In many of these states there’s either no legal framework for registration or things are outright banned.
Rhode Island Has revoked existing registrations and prohibits new ones.
Georgia, New York, Maine States cited in reports as moving towards bans or stricter enforcement, especially for non-compliant/imported mini trucks.
Texas Recently passed legislation (Senate Bill 1816) legalizing Japanese mini trucks that are 25+ years old (vintage import rules) or otherwise meeting criteria. This is relatively new, so states are evolving.
So it’s not just “Kei brands” — it’s any mini-truck with similar characteristics that runs into the same regulatory walls.
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Why Montana Stands Out (and Why Many Owners Turn There)
Given these barriers, Montana has become a go-to state for many Kei / imported mini-truck owners. Here’s why:
1. Bonded Titles / MV10 Break/Bond Titles
If ownership documentation or import paperwork is imperfect, Montana allows a bonded title route (MV-10) which helps establish legal title even when full documentation is lacking.
2. VIN Inspections and Import Documentation
Montana requires VIN inspections (form MV-20) and review of customs entry documents, export certificates (if Japan or other foreign origin), etc. If these are in order (or close enough for a bond), registration is possible.
3. Permanent / Long-Term Registration Options
For older vehicles (often 11 years old or more in Montana’s case depending on the program), there are “permanent plates” so you don’t have to renew annually. This reduces hassle.
4. No State Sales Tax
Montana does not have a state sales tax, which is a big draw for people registering vehicles through Montana.
5. Use of LLCs
Many owners form a Montana LLC to hold title and registration — this can help satisfy residency/business requirements, and is more administratively advantageous in some cases. Many services exist to facilitate this.
6. Speed and Support
Services (third-party firms) facilitating the process in Montana often boast of fast processing (e.g. “in 2-3 days”), helping with paperwork, inspections, etc. Montana’s bureaucratic load tends to be less onerous in this context.
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Steps to Register a Mini-Truck in Montana (Imported)
Here’s broadly what someone needs to get an imported mini-truck registered in Montana. If it’s already titled somewhere else, the process has fewer hurdles.
• Gather proof of ownership: bill of sale, invoice, import/export paperwork. If from abroad, customs entry papers, export certificate, etc.
• Complete a VIN inspection (Montana’s form MV-20) to verify the VIN matches the unit.
• If title history is incomplete, use a bonded title via Form MV-10 (“break/bond title”) to establish title.
• Meet any federal import requirements (customs, EPA, etc.). Montana mandates review of customs entry documents, export certificate for foreign imports.
• For street legality: possibly inspections under odometer disclosure laws (TIMA, etc.), and ensuring lighting, glass, etc., meet requirements.
• Pay all fees, get title, license plates. If vehicle is old enough (depending on age rules for the particular registration category), may get a “permanent plate.”
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MontanaTags.com: How They Fit
Mini Truck Registration Package
If you don’t want to deal with all the bureaucracy, MontanaTags.com (or similar services) are often used. Here’s what such services generally offer:
• Forming the Montana LLC if you don’t already have one
• Helping you get and organize all the required titles, import, export, customs paperwork, VIN inspections, etc.
• Guiding you through bonded title process if needed
• Filing all applications, title, registration with Montana’s Motor Vehicle Division
• Getting your plates and documentation delivered so you can legally use your mini-truck on permitted roads
They serve both people who have just imported the vehicle, and those who already own it but are stuck in a state with restrictive laws (or unclear law).
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Bottom Line & Advice for Owners
If you own or plan to own an imported mini-truck (Kei or similar), here are things to watch and actions to consider:
• Check your home state’s laws now (many are changing). Even if registration was once possible, revocations or new bans may be in effect.
• Consider whether the vehicle qualifies under the “25 years or older” rule for smoother import/registration.
• Look into Montana registration as an alternative if your state is restrictive. Even though there are costs (LLC, bonded title, fees), it may be faster and more reliable.
• Use reputable forms or services to handle paperwork, inspections etc., so you don’t get stuck with rejected applications or incomplete titles.