Checked against Colorado law, in plain words

Kei Trucks in Colorado

Legal from Jan. 1, 2028: what the new law allows, the road limits, and what to do until then

A 2025 law makes kei trucks in Colorado real motor vehicles. The DMV says it will take title and registration applications starting Jan. 1, 2028. Until then, they can't be titled or driven on public roads.

Not yet: legal from Jan. 1, 2028HB25-1281 opens titles and plates in 2028, on roads posted 55 mph or less.
See what to do now ↓
Plates fromJan. 1, 2028
Roads55 mph or less
Truck age25+ years
InterstatesNever
A white 1990 Daihatsu Hijet Climber 4WD kei truck parked beside a brick building
A 1990 Daihatsu Hijet Climber SDX 4WD.

Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons ↗

The law

What the new Colorado kei law says

HB25-1281 adds "kei vehicle" to the state's definition of a motor vehicle, so they can be titled and registered like other cars and trucks.

The law (HB25-1281, signed May 9, 2025)
  • Kei trucks must be at least 25 years old.
  • They may only use roads posted 55 mph or less.
  • Driving one on a limited-access highway, like an interstate, is a traffic infraction.
  • Officials can't demand an inspection just because it's a kei truck.
  • The DMV's definition: 1,000 cc or less, 67 in wide and 140 in long at most, a top speed of at least 50 mph, an enclosed cab, 25+ years old.
  • Where emissions tests apply, a two-speed idle test is allowed if the truck can't do the usual treadmill test.
The bill lists July 1, 2027 as its effective date, but the DMV says applications open Jan. 1, 2028, after its systems are updated.
  1. May 9, 2025Gov. Polis signed HB25-1281.
  2. July 1, 2027The law's listed effective date.
  3. Jan. 1, 2028The DMV starts taking kei title and registration applications.

Sources: Colorado General Assembly (HB25-1281), Colorado DMV, Kei Vehicles page ↗, Colorado Senate Democrats release, Colorado Public Radio. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.

Register

How to register a kei truck in Colorado from 2028

Kei trucks in Colorado can be registered from Jan. 1, 2028. You can get ready now.

  1. 1
    Check the ageColorado’s law needs the truck to be 25 years old. In January 2028, that means built in December 2002 or earlier; a truck built in January 2003 turns 25 on its build day that month.
  2. 2
    Get 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.
  3. 3
    Check it fits Colorado's definitionEngine of 1,000 cc or less, no more than 67 inches wide and 140 inches long, a top speed of at least 50 mph, an enclosed cab, and 25+ years old. Most kei trucks fit.
  4. 4
    Watch for the DMV's processThe DMV says more details on how to register will come closer to Jan. 1, 2028.
  5. 5
    Apply at your county officeTitle and register at your county motor vehicle office on or after Jan. 1, 2028.
  6. 6
    Pass emissions if your area testsFront Range counties test emissions. Kei trucks can use a two-speed idle test.
  7. 7
    Plan your routesStay on roads posted 55 mph or less, and off interstates and other limited-access highways.

Before you buy: check it fits Colorado's rules

  • Check the DMV's definition: 1,000 cc or less, 67 inches wide and 140 inches long at most, a top speed of at least 50 mph, an enclosed cab.
  • Map the trips you'd make. From 2028, every road has to be posted 55 mph or less, with no interstates.
  • The DMV's own page: Specialized, Unconventional and Other Vehicles ↗ (see "Kei Vehicles").

Sources: Colorado DMV and HB25-1281. Steps may change before 2028. Not legal advice.

Roads

Where you'll be able to drive one

Roads posted 55 mph or less. Never on interstates.

That keeps kei trucks off I-25 and I-70, and other limited-access highways. Town streets, county roads and most mountain roads are fine. Until 2028, use one only on private land.

  • Town streetsAllowed from Jan. 1, 2028.From 2028
  • Roads posted 55 mphThe fastest roads allowed, from Jan. 1, 2028.From 2028
  • InterstatesNever, under HB25-1281.Never
Buy

Buying a kei truck for Colorado

We found no Colorado dealers we could confirm. The listings we found are in Arizona and Washington, or in Japan.

If you buy now, keep it on private land until 2028, and keep every import paper. Japan export prices are low, but shipping and the 25% light-truck import duty add a lot.

See trucks for sale near Colorado → Import cost calculator →

Prices you'll see

  • 1999 Subaru Sambar 4WDAsking · 42,875 miles · Scottsdale, Arizona$10,000
  • 1997 Honda Acty 4WDAsking · 46,262 miles · Ferndale, Washington$7,995
  • 1994 Honda ActyAsking in Japan · before shipping and duty$2,401

Seen Nov. 7⁠–⁠8, 2026. Not offers or guarantees. We're not paid by any dealer.

Nearby

Kei truck rules next door to Colorado

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

Colorado questions

Are kei trucks legal in Colorado?

Not yet on public roads. HB25-1281 makes them legal, and the DMV says title and registration applications open Jan. 1, 2028.

Does my kei truck qualify in Colorado?

Check the DMV's list: an engine of 1,000 cc or less (or an electric motor of 56,000 watts or less), no more than 67 inches wide and 140 inches long, a top speed of at least 50 mph, an enclosed cab, four or more tires, and at least 25 years old.

When will kei trucks be legal in Colorado?

The law lists July 1, 2027 as its effective date, but the DMV says it will accept applications starting Jan. 1, 2028.

Which roads can kei trucks use in Colorado?

Roads posted 55 mph or less. Interstates and other limited-access highways are off limits.

Do kei trucks need an emissions test in Colorado?

Where your county requires emissions testing, yes. The law allows a two-speed idle test for trucks that can't do the usual one.

Can I buy a kei truck now and register it later?

Yes, as long as it will be 25 years old when you apply. Use it on private land until then and keep every import paper.

Can I register it in another state until 2028?

No. You must register a vehicle in the state where you live.

Next step

Getting ready for 2028? Pick the right truck

Compare the Carry, Acty, Hijet, Sambar and Minicab for mountain roads, snow and hauling.

Compare kei trucks →