The Special Rule About Selling ‘Mini’ Trucks in New York

There was a special sight on the side of the road in Ulster County this morning: an adorable "mini" truck that has been steadily growing in popularity in the United States.

The vehicles are nicknamed Kei trucks, which is short for the Japanese term kei torakko, meaning "light truck". While they're delightful to look at, buying, selling, and driving these imported trucks in New York State can be incredibly difficult. 

Importing a Foreign Vehicle to New York State

Whether it's a Japanese Kei truck or a European sports car, the United States has several regulations regarding the import of foreign vehicles, including whether or not they meet US safety and emissions standards. Luckily for Kei truck enthusiasts, there's a slight loophole in that particular regulation.

 Importing Vehicles to the United States

According to United States Customs and Border Protection, vehicles manufactured more than 25 years ago can be legally imported without meeting current vehicle safety standards or emissions standards. That loophole, however, only applies to Kei trucks with one special exception. 

Why Aren't Kei Trucks Road Legal in New York State?

Though neighboring states including Massachusetts have reversed their "ban" on Kei trucks, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles still enforces specific safety and emissions standards for the trucks, no matter their age:

The DMV will not register or title any Kei-class vehicle unless the vehicle has been brought into compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission requirements

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"Alternative Route" to Register Kei Trucks in New York

While the road to Kei truck ownership in New York is slightly rocky, a local Hudson Valley dealer shared some "alternative routes" for residents looking to buy and register the pint-sized vehicles, including a partnership with a business that creates out-of-state LLCs. Successful buyers, however, might want to steer clear of the roads below.