US States Kei Truck Registration Guide 
by derekheidenreichNovember 1, 2024
Are Kei Trucks Street Legal In Tennessee
by derekheidenreichNovember 1, 2024Are Kei Trucks Legal In Tennessee?
Kei trucks are fantastic little vehicles from Japan, known for their versatility and impressive fuel efficiency! While navigating the legal landscape for kei trucks in the U.S., especially in Tennessee, can seem daunting, don’t worry! This blog article is here to simplify everything for you, covering the legality, as well as the essential details about titling, registration, and usage. Let’s dive in together!
What are the Federal Regulations?
Understanding Kei Trucks & Federal Regulations
Before diving into the specifics of state laws, it’s essential to understand the federal requirements for importing kei trucks into the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintain important standards for these vehicles, ensuring safety and environmental compliance.
One key regulation to keep in mind is the 25-year rule. It allows vehicles that are over 25 years old to bypass certain standard safety requirements, making it much easier for collectors and enthusiasts to import and register their cherished kei trucks. For those looking at newer models, however, they will still need to be subjected to safety and emissions testing, which can be a bit of a challenge since these vehicles are designed quite differently from typical U.S. cars.
To successfully import a kei truck, you’ll need a few important documents:
- Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) This proves the vehicle's origin, crucial for titling and registration.
- Bill of Sale This confirms your ownership.
- Form HS-7: Indicates compliance with federal safety standards.
- Safety Standards Label: A photo of this label shows adherence to federal regulations.
With the right preparation, the journey towards owning a kei truck can be an exciting and rewarding experience!
What are the Tennessee Regulations?
Registering Kei Trucks in Tennessee
Through Tennessee vehicle registration, kei trucks have a unique charm and can be enjoyed on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or lower, depending on local regulations.
If you're looking to register and title these wonderful little vehicles, here’s a step-by-step guide to making the process smooth and straightforward:
- Application Process: To secure a title and/or registration for your imported kei truck, gather a few essential documents: the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), a bill of sale, Form HS-7, and a clear photograph of the vehicle’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards label. Simply submit these to your county clerk, and you’re coming!
- OHV Registration: It's fascinating to note that kei trucks in Tennessee are classified as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs). While they’re not permitted for general road use, this classification allows them to participate in specific off-road adventures!
- Classification of Off-Highway Vehicles: Tennessee classifies off-highway vehicles in several categories, each offering different opportunities for kei truck enthusiasts:
- Low-Speed Vehicle: These delightful four-wheeled vehicles can reach speeds of 20-25 mph and must meet federal safety regulations.
- Medium-Speed Vehicle: This category includes vehicles that can reach speeds of 30-35 mph, including our beloved mini-trucks, which also adhere to safety regulations.
- Class I Off-Highway Vehicle: This covers motorized vehicles with 4-6 non-highway tires, capable of exceeding 35 mph and accommodating up to four passengers comfortably.
Exploring the possibilities with kei trucks in Tennessee is a thrilling journey, and we're excited for you to embrace it! Enjoy the ride!
Whats the workaround?
How to Drive Newer Kei Trucks on Tennessee roads
At Shogun Imports, we help people get their kei trucks registered so they can legally operate them on the streets in 45 states. These unique, compact trucks can bring a lot of joy to their owners. Our dependable legal team manages all the necessary paperwork for registering your kei truck, whether it has license plates from another state or is classified as a utility vehicle. They make sure that everything adheres to local regulations in the states that recognize driver’s laws from other areas. The whole process can be done by mail, and you don’t need to live in the state where you’re registering your truck. This allows you to enjoy your kei truck without any hassle!