Are Kei Vehicles Street Legal 
by derekheidenreichApril 27, 2026
Registering Kei Vehicles In Wisconsin For Road Use
by derekheidenreichApril 27, 2026Let's explore sudden changes in Wisconsin and how to drive Kei trucks, vans, and cars on Wisconsin roads as a Wisconsin resident.
IS Wisconsin Banning Kei vehicles?
Wisconsin DMVs are refusing to register Kei vehicles for road use, even though Wisconsin Act 103/Senate Bill 110, ss. 341.05 (27), 346.94 (19), and 341.266 have not been overturned or repealed, which allows registration of Kei vehicles for road use.
How Can Wisconsin Residents Drive Kei vehicles On WI Roads?
Alternatively, you can use Dirt Legal's services to obtain registration and Montana plates for road-legal use on Wisconsin roads at 55 mph or under.
Why are Wisconsin DMVs Refusing Registration?
Wisconsin DMVs cite statute 341.10(6) for vehicles built after 1969, passed in 2013, even though Wisconsin DMVs have been registering Kei trucks, vans, and cars since late 2025. 341.10(6) states that the department shall refuse to register Kei vehicles without the following: 49 CFR 567 certification, as Wisconsin currently categorizes Kei vehicles under off-road utility vehicle statutes. This currently cancels out Wisconsin Act 103/Senate Bill 110, ss. 341.05 (27), 346.94 (19), and 341.266 for the ability to register a Kei vehicle in Wisconsin.
Is Wisconsin Making A Mistake?
It seems Wisconsin is confusing Kei vehicles with Mini-trucks/UTVs, since statute 341.10(6) was intended for off-road utility vehicles. The difference is that Mini trucks and UTVs are designed for off-road use, while Kei trucks, vans, and cars are designed for public road use at speeds up to 62mph on divided highways, with safety features like airbags and regulations from the Japanese government, a country that knows automobiles.