Checked against Alabama law, in plain words

Kei Trucks in Alabama

Legal with a mini-truck plate: the governor rule, no interstates, and how to get the plate

Kei trucks in Alabama get their own mini-truck plate. They don't need a title, and they can't use interstates. The catch: the state's definition of a mini-truck includes a speed governor set at 25 mph.

Yes, with limits in AlabamaMini-truck plate only. No interstates. The legal definition includes a 25 mph governor.

Start my tag office checklist ↓

PlateMini-truck

TitleNot needed

InterstatesNever

Plate fee$23 a year

A white 1990 Suzuki Carry 4WD kei truck parked on gravel in front of green trees — A 1990 Suzuki Carry KA 4WD.

The law

What Alabama law says about mini-trucks

Two parts of the state code cover mini-trucks: the definition (40-12-240) and the plate rules (32-6-59). A 2012 Revenue memo explains them to tag offices.

The law (Code of Alabama 32-6-59 and 40-12-240) speed governor to prevent the truck from attaining a speed of more than 25 miles per hour

That's part of the legal definition of a mini-truck, along with lights, mirrors, a windshield and seat belts.
Mini-trucks are exempt from titling.
They get only a mini-truck plate, marked for restricted low-speed use.
They may not be driven on interstate highways.
The tag office must inspect the truck to match its chassis number to your papers.

Some owners argue that a truck without a governor isn't a "mini-truck" under the law. That's a gray area, and it can still lead to a ticket.

Sources: Code of Alabama 32-6-59 and 40-12-240, Alabama Department of Revenue mini-truck plate page ↗. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.

How to get a mini-truck plate in Alabama

Six steps for kei trucks in Alabama, at your county tag office.

Your Alabama tag office checklistTick each step as you do it.

1Check the ageMost kei trucks come in under the federal 25-year exemption, counted from the month the truck was built. In November 2026, that means built in October 2001 or earlier. A truck built in November 2001 turns 25 on its build day this month, so check the exact date (if you don’t know it, wait until Dec. 1, 2026). Buying one that is already in the US? The import is done; you need its import papers.
2Get the import papersCustoms entry (CBP 7501), DOT form HS-7, EPA form 3520-1, the Japanese export certificate with an English translation, and your bill of sale.
3Ask about the governor firstAsk your county office whether it needs to see a 25 mph speed governor before it issues the plate.
4Buy Alabama insuranceYou need liability insurance to register.
5Bring the truck for inspectionThe tag office, or someone it appoints, checks the chassis number against your papers.
6Get the mini-truck plateNo title is issued. The plate is ordered and mailed to you.

Your ticks are saved on this device only.

Papers to bring to the tag office

Customs entry form CBP 7501
DOT form HS-7
EPA form 3520-1
Japanese export certificate, with an English translation
Your bill of sale
Proof of Alabama insurance

If the tag office isn't sure

Mini-truck plates are rare at some offices. Calmly show them:

The Department of Revenue's own page: Mini-Truck / LSV plate ↗.
Code of Alabama 32-6-59: mini-trucks get a plate marked for restricted low speed use, and never use interstates.
On paper:

Still stuck? Ask politely to speak with a supervisor.

Sources: Alabama Department of Revenue. Not legal advice.

Cost

What it costs to plate one

What	Cost
Mini-truck plate	$23 a year
Title	None: mini-trucks are exempt
County fees and taxes	Vary by county; ask your tag office
Insurance	Owners report about $200–$400 a year

Source: Alabama Department of Revenue mini-truck plate page. Confirm amounts with your county.

Roads

Where you can drive one

Never on interstates. The plate says restricted low-speed use.

With a 25 mph governor, plan on farm roads, back roads and town streets. Police can still ticket a vehicle used where it isn't meant to go.

Farm roads and town streetsWhere a 25 mph truck fits.Good fit
Faster highwaysNot banned, but a 25 mph governor makes them impractical.Impractical
InterstatesNever, under 32-6-59.Never

Buy

Kei trucks for sale in Alabama

We found one dealer in Cullman. Others we found are in Arkansas, Florida and North Carolina.

Most 1990s trucks run $7,500–$9,000 at nearby dealers. Ask any seller whether the truck has a governor fitted.

See trucks for sale in Alabama → Import cost calculator →

Prices nearby

1999 Honda ActyAsking · Arkansas dealer$8,900
1993 Subaru Sambar KS4 4WDAsking · 28,870 miles · Miami dealer$8,000
1998 Daihatsu HijetAsking · North Carolina dealer$7,500

Seen Nov. 8, 2026. Not offers or guarantees. We're not paid by any dealer.

Alabama dealers we found

We haven't visited or checked these yet. Call before you drive out.

CullmanGrand Pointe Mini Trucksgrandpointeminitrucks.com

Owners

What people here say

2 stories from YouTube comments, told in our words.

Alabama viewerYouTube comment · see the video ↗

Plates

Points out that Alabama sells tags for these trucks.

Alabama viewerYouTube comment · see the video ↗

Highway use

Says Alabama doesn't plate kei trucks for regular highway use. That matches the mini-truck plate's limits.

Nearby

Kei truck rules next door to Alabama

Moving or buying across the line? The rules change at the border.

Live somewhere else? Check your state

TapClick the yellow button. Your answer shows up right here.

Questions

Alabama questions

Are kei trucks legal in Alabama?

Yes, with limits. They get a mini-truck plate, can't use interstates, and the legal definition of a mini-truck includes a 25 mph speed governor.

Do kei trucks need a title in Alabama?

No. Alabama exempts mini-trucks from titling. You register them with a mini-truck plate.

Does my kei truck need a speed governor in Alabama?

The state's definition of a mini-truck includes one set at 25 mph. Ask your county tag office what it requires.

How much is a mini-truck plate in Alabama?

$23 a year, plus county fees and taxes.

Can I drive a kei truck on the highway in Alabama?

Never on interstates. The plate is marked for restricted low-speed use.

Where can I buy a kei truck in Alabama?

Grand Pointe Mini Trucks in Cullman, and dealers in Arkansas, Florida and North Carolina.

Next step

Pick your truck: compare the 5 brands

Carry, Acty, Hijet, Sambar or Minicab: see which fits your land, your height and your budget.

Compare kei trucks →