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WHY PURCHASE A JDM MINITRUCK?
SM Motorcars specializes in high quality used Japanese mini trucks because we believe that in today's uncertain economy, and with rising fuel costs our customers will get the most bang for their buck!
Mini-trucks are tough four-wheel drive vehicles that are fuel efficient, reliable and easy to maintain. All at a fraction of the cost compared to ATV's and even new mini-trucks! A new mini-truck or ATV can run up to $18,000 and some are even more, but a quality used EPA approved Japanese mini truck with comparable options starts at less than half.
Japanese mini trucks also have a host of standard features, an enclosed heated cab, folding bedsides and tailgate for easy loading and unloading. As well as options such as A/C or dump beds for work and comfort! Please give us a call at (480) 299-8922 for additional information or questions!
Mini-trucks are tough four-wheel drive vehicles that are fuel efficient, reliable and easy to maintain. All at a fraction of the cost compared to ATV's and even new mini-trucks! A new mini-truck or ATV can run up to $18,000 and some are even more, but a quality used EPA approved Japanese mini truck with comparable options starts at less than half.
Japanese mini trucks also have a host of standard features, an enclosed heated cab, folding bedsides and tailgate for easy loading and unloading. As well as options such as A/C or dump beds for work and comfort! Please give us a call at (480) 299-8922 for additional information or questions!
Are Mini Trucks Street Legal? Rules Per State
Mini trucks are in many cases a great alternative to pricey ATVs and other utility vehicles.
But there is a lot of confusion over whether you can use them on public roads because of age and emission restrictions.
Are mini trucks street legal?
Mini trucks are street legal in many states. In some states, you can drive them on public roads while other states are restricting the use and only allow them on private properties.
The rules differ from state to state and even the federal government has different rules for importing and operating mini trucks in the USA.
Whether you are considering buying a mini truck for farming, landscaping or delivery purposes, read on to learn more about the legal status of these vehicles in your state.
Local vehicle manufacturers championed the law to stymy external competition.
You can drive mini trucks legally as off-road vehicles in all 50 states of the US. They are widely used on farms, unpaved roads and private properties such as resorts and golf course.
However, many states allow mini trucks to use public roads, albeit with certain restrictions because most of these vehicles lack EPA compliant engine for road use.
Below, we provide state-by-state rules on the use of mini trucks on public roads.
States with no mini truck laws often prohibit their use on public roads. But you may still use them in off-road situations.
Alabama
Alabama residents can use mini trucks on any public roads except interstate highways. The speed limit is 25 mph.
Alaska
Alaska has no state laws regarding mini truck use. But based on the reciprocity of state motor vehicle registration, Alaska may allow non-residents to operate a vehicle registered in another state for 60 days.
Arizona
As of 17 July 2009, the Arizona Department of Transportation declared mini trucks legal for use on public roads.
However, the owner must complete and submit the Highway Use Certificate and make sure the vehicle complies with all extant safety and equipment requirements for the duration of its registration.
Arkansas
Arkansas allows on-road use of mini trucks with a speed limit of 55 mph.
However, the vehicles are restricted from controlled-access highways and interstate highways if you register them for farm use.
California
Mini trucks are allowed for street use only in California. You cannot use them on the highway but there are no restrictions on their use for off-road purposes.
Colorado
Mini trucks are not street legal in Colorado. You can only use them in off-road situations such as on the farm.
Connecticut
Mini trucks are not street legal in Connecticut.
Delaware
The state of Delaware has no laws regarding the use of mini trucks on its streets and highways.
District of Columbia
The District of Columbia has no laws regarding the legality of using mini trucks on the street or highways.
Florida
Florida allows registered mini trucks to operate only on streets with posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Georgia
You cannot drive mini trucks on the road and highways in Georgia. Sometimes, it is possible to drive them on the road if you can prove the vehicle is for farm use.
Hawaii
You cannot use mini trucks on public roads in Hawaii as the state has no laws or regulations guiding their operation on State road.
Idaho
Mini trucks are allowed to use Idaho Transport Board roads and as a local option without speed restrictions.
Note that these vehicles are classified as UTVs in the state.
Illinois
Local ordinance allows mini trucks with a posted speed limit of 25 mph and roads with a speed limit of less than 35 mph.
Indiana
Indiana allows mini trucks on its public roads and highways without speed restrictions.
But the driver must have a vehicle title and registration.
Iowa
Iowa does not allow the use of mini trucks on its public roads.
Kansas
Mini trucks can be used in cities if a local ordinance permit. You can also use them on public roads except state and federal highways and interstates.
Kentucky
Mini trucks are street legal in places where local ordinances allow but they can only be used to cross state roads. There are no speed restrictions.
Louisiana
You can use mini trucks freely in Louisiana with a speed limit under 55 mph.
They cannot be used on controlled access highways, multi-lined divided highways with partial or no control of access and interstate highways.
Maine
The state of Maine allows mini trucks on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph.
Maryland
Maryland does not allow the use of mini trucks on public roads.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has one of the strictest transport laws in the union and does not allow mini trucks on its roads.
Michigan
The state of Michigan does not allow the use of mini trucks on its roads.
Minnesota
You can only use mini trucks in municipalities with local ordinances that permit it.
Mississippi
It is legal to use mini trucks on Mississippi public roads but you need to provide a bill of sale, $100 title bond and an application of ownership.
Missouri
Mini trucks can be used in Missouri by local ordinance and they are restricted to a 45 mph speed limit.
Montana
You may use a mini truck in Montana if the local ordinance allows it.
Nebraska
You can use mini trucks on all public Nebraska roads without speed restrictions except on freeways, expressways and interstate highways.
Nevada
It is unlawful to use mini trucks on public roads in Nevada.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire allows the use of mini trucks with a 35 mph speed restriction. However, the vehicle must be used within 25 miles of the driver’s residence or place of business.
New Jersey
New Jersey prohibits mini trucks on public roads.
New Mexico
Mini trucks are not allowed on public roads in New Mexico.
North Carolina
On June 21, 2019, Governor Cooper of North Carolina signed into law the HB 179, thus allowing mini trucks to be licensed and used on all NC roads.
North Dakota
Mini trucks can be used on roads with a posted speed limit of 55 mph. They are restricted from roads with speed limits over 65 mph.
Ohio
Where local ordinances permit, you can use mini trucks on roads with a posted speed limit below 35 mph.
Oklahoma
Mini trucks are allowed on Oklahoma roads with no speed limitations. But they cannot use the interstate.
Oregon
You cannot use mini trucks on the roadways of Oregon State. In fact, their use as off-road vehicles is also strictly restricted as you can only use them to move from one part of your farm to another.
Pennsylvania
Mini trucks are not street legal in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island does not allow the use of mini trucks on state roads.
South Carolina
There are no laws guiding the use of mini trucks in South Carolina
South Dakota
Mini trucks are not allowed on state roads in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Tennessee allows mini trucks on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. However, this is subject to local ordinances.
Texas
The state of Texas does not allow the use of mini trucks on its roads.
Utah
You can use mini trucks on Utah roads with a 50 mph speed restriction or less except on the interstate.
Vermont
Mini trucks are not street legal in Vermont and even registering them can be a hassle.
Virginia
You cannot use kei trucks on Virginia highways. But you can use them for farm purposes.
Washington
Mini trucks are not street legal in Washington.
West Virginia
You can only use mini trucks on West Virginia roads when moving farm product and livestock from a farm along the state highway to a storage or packing facility within a distance of 35 miles.
Wisconsin
Mini trucks are street legal in Wisconsin. But the vehicle must be 25 years old and above and you will need to register with collector plates.
Wyoming
Drivers in Wyoming can drive their mini trucks on any roads except for interstate highways. While there are no speed restrictions, the vehicle must use the extreme right-hand edge of the highway if it’s unable to achieve the maximum speed allowed on a specific roadway.
And that’s it.
None of the 50 states allow mini trucks on interstate highways.
This restriction is for safety reasons as most kei trucks can only make 65 mph which is lower than the speed limit on interstates.
Also, mini trucks don’t meet U.S road safety requirements and the older models use non-EPA engines that cannot pass emission tests for public roads.
The 25 Year Rule Is Important
The 25-year rule is an exception to the plethora of legislation that makes it difficult to import and use mini trucks in the US.
Under this rule, mini trucks over 25 years old or more are exempted from DOT regulations.
In the same vein, mini trucks which are 21 years old or more are exempt from EPA emission restrictions.
So long as you comply with registration, insurance and state rules regarding these vehicles, this quarter of century-old mini trucks are good to go.
You might want to ask why such long years?
The reason is that mini trucks were historically made in Japan by Daihatsu, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi and to a lesser extent Nissan and Honda which is why they are called Japanese Kei trucks.
Final Words
If you are considering buying one of a mini truck, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles on their street use status. call 480-299-8922
But there is a lot of confusion over whether you can use them on public roads because of age and emission restrictions.
Are mini trucks street legal?
Mini trucks are street legal in many states. In some states, you can drive them on public roads while other states are restricting the use and only allow them on private properties.
The rules differ from state to state and even the federal government has different rules for importing and operating mini trucks in the USA.
Whether you are considering buying a mini truck for farming, landscaping or delivery purposes, read on to learn more about the legal status of these vehicles in your state.
Local vehicle manufacturers championed the law to stymy external competition.
You can drive mini trucks legally as off-road vehicles in all 50 states of the US. They are widely used on farms, unpaved roads and private properties such as resorts and golf course.
However, many states allow mini trucks to use public roads, albeit with certain restrictions because most of these vehicles lack EPA compliant engine for road use.
Below, we provide state-by-state rules on the use of mini trucks on public roads.
States with no mini truck laws often prohibit their use on public roads. But you may still use them in off-road situations.
Alabama
Alabama residents can use mini trucks on any public roads except interstate highways. The speed limit is 25 mph.
Alaska
Alaska has no state laws regarding mini truck use. But based on the reciprocity of state motor vehicle registration, Alaska may allow non-residents to operate a vehicle registered in another state for 60 days.
Arizona
As of 17 July 2009, the Arizona Department of Transportation declared mini trucks legal for use on public roads.
However, the owner must complete and submit the Highway Use Certificate and make sure the vehicle complies with all extant safety and equipment requirements for the duration of its registration.
Arkansas
Arkansas allows on-road use of mini trucks with a speed limit of 55 mph.
However, the vehicles are restricted from controlled-access highways and interstate highways if you register them for farm use.
California
Mini trucks are allowed for street use only in California. You cannot use them on the highway but there are no restrictions on their use for off-road purposes.
Colorado
Mini trucks are not street legal in Colorado. You can only use them in off-road situations such as on the farm.
Connecticut
Mini trucks are not street legal in Connecticut.
Delaware
The state of Delaware has no laws regarding the use of mini trucks on its streets and highways.
District of Columbia
The District of Columbia has no laws regarding the legality of using mini trucks on the street or highways.
Florida
Florida allows registered mini trucks to operate only on streets with posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Georgia
You cannot drive mini trucks on the road and highways in Georgia. Sometimes, it is possible to drive them on the road if you can prove the vehicle is for farm use.
Hawaii
You cannot use mini trucks on public roads in Hawaii as the state has no laws or regulations guiding their operation on State road.
Idaho
Mini trucks are allowed to use Idaho Transport Board roads and as a local option without speed restrictions.
Note that these vehicles are classified as UTVs in the state.
Illinois
Local ordinance allows mini trucks with a posted speed limit of 25 mph and roads with a speed limit of less than 35 mph.
Indiana
Indiana allows mini trucks on its public roads and highways without speed restrictions.
But the driver must have a vehicle title and registration.
Iowa
Iowa does not allow the use of mini trucks on its public roads.
Kansas
Mini trucks can be used in cities if a local ordinance permit. You can also use them on public roads except state and federal highways and interstates.
Kentucky
Mini trucks are street legal in places where local ordinances allow but they can only be used to cross state roads. There are no speed restrictions.
Louisiana
You can use mini trucks freely in Louisiana with a speed limit under 55 mph.
They cannot be used on controlled access highways, multi-lined divided highways with partial or no control of access and interstate highways.
Maine
The state of Maine allows mini trucks on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph.
Maryland
Maryland does not allow the use of mini trucks on public roads.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has one of the strictest transport laws in the union and does not allow mini trucks on its roads.
Michigan
The state of Michigan does not allow the use of mini trucks on its roads.
Minnesota
You can only use mini trucks in municipalities with local ordinances that permit it.
Mississippi
It is legal to use mini trucks on Mississippi public roads but you need to provide a bill of sale, $100 title bond and an application of ownership.
Missouri
Mini trucks can be used in Missouri by local ordinance and they are restricted to a 45 mph speed limit.
Montana
You may use a mini truck in Montana if the local ordinance allows it.
Nebraska
You can use mini trucks on all public Nebraska roads without speed restrictions except on freeways, expressways and interstate highways.
Nevada
It is unlawful to use mini trucks on public roads in Nevada.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire allows the use of mini trucks with a 35 mph speed restriction. However, the vehicle must be used within 25 miles of the driver’s residence or place of business.
New Jersey
New Jersey prohibits mini trucks on public roads.
New Mexico
Mini trucks are not allowed on public roads in New Mexico.
North Carolina
On June 21, 2019, Governor Cooper of North Carolina signed into law the HB 179, thus allowing mini trucks to be licensed and used on all NC roads.
North Dakota
Mini trucks can be used on roads with a posted speed limit of 55 mph. They are restricted from roads with speed limits over 65 mph.
Ohio
Where local ordinances permit, you can use mini trucks on roads with a posted speed limit below 35 mph.
Oklahoma
Mini trucks are allowed on Oklahoma roads with no speed limitations. But they cannot use the interstate.
Oregon
You cannot use mini trucks on the roadways of Oregon State. In fact, their use as off-road vehicles is also strictly restricted as you can only use them to move from one part of your farm to another.
Pennsylvania
Mini trucks are not street legal in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island does not allow the use of mini trucks on state roads.
South Carolina
There are no laws guiding the use of mini trucks in South Carolina
South Dakota
Mini trucks are not allowed on state roads in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Tennessee allows mini trucks on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. However, this is subject to local ordinances.
Texas
The state of Texas does not allow the use of mini trucks on its roads.
Utah
You can use mini trucks on Utah roads with a 50 mph speed restriction or less except on the interstate.
Vermont
Mini trucks are not street legal in Vermont and even registering them can be a hassle.
Virginia
You cannot use kei trucks on Virginia highways. But you can use them for farm purposes.
Washington
Mini trucks are not street legal in Washington.
West Virginia
You can only use mini trucks on West Virginia roads when moving farm product and livestock from a farm along the state highway to a storage or packing facility within a distance of 35 miles.
Wisconsin
Mini trucks are street legal in Wisconsin. But the vehicle must be 25 years old and above and you will need to register with collector plates.
Wyoming
Drivers in Wyoming can drive their mini trucks on any roads except for interstate highways. While there are no speed restrictions, the vehicle must use the extreme right-hand edge of the highway if it’s unable to achieve the maximum speed allowed on a specific roadway.
And that’s it.
None of the 50 states allow mini trucks on interstate highways.
This restriction is for safety reasons as most kei trucks can only make 65 mph which is lower than the speed limit on interstates.
Also, mini trucks don’t meet U.S road safety requirements and the older models use non-EPA engines that cannot pass emission tests for public roads.
The 25 Year Rule Is Important
The 25-year rule is an exception to the plethora of legislation that makes it difficult to import and use mini trucks in the US.
Under this rule, mini trucks over 25 years old or more are exempted from DOT regulations.
In the same vein, mini trucks which are 21 years old or more are exempt from EPA emission restrictions.
So long as you comply with registration, insurance and state rules regarding these vehicles, this quarter of century-old mini trucks are good to go.
You might want to ask why such long years?
The reason is that mini trucks were historically made in Japan by Daihatsu, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi and to a lesser extent Nissan and Honda which is why they are called Japanese Kei trucks.
Final Words
If you are considering buying one of a mini truck, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles on their street use status. call 480-299-8922
