Kei Trucks in Delaware
Not street legal: the DMV's position, the 2023 court case, and your options
Delaware's DMV won't title or register kei trucks in Delaware for the road. When a farm owner took it to court in 2023, the Superior Court sided with the DMV.
Road platesNo
Court rulingDec. 2023
Off-highway plateOffered
Private landYes
Photo: dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons ↗
Why kei trucks aren't legal in Delaware
No Delaware law names kei trucks. The DMV's refusal rests on how it reads the state's rules.
- The DMV cites Title 21 of the Delaware Code, DelDOT rules on imported vehicles, and national guidance not to title mini trucks for roads.
- A farm owner asked it to title a 1997 Mitsubishi Minicab and was refused.
- The Superior Court affirmed the refusal on Dec. 18, 2023.
- The DMV offered off-highway vehicle (OHV) registration instead.
- Dec. 18, 2023The Superior Court upheld the DMV's refusal to title a 1997 Minicab.
Sources: Delaware Superior Court opinion (Dec. 18, 2023, corrected Dec. 22, 2023) ↗, 21 Del. C. 2163. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.
What Delawareans can do now
No road plates for kei trucks in Delaware. Here's what's left.
- 1Register it as an off-highway vehicleThe DMV has offered OHV registration. It doesn't allow normal road use.
- 2Use it on private landFarms and big properties. That's legal.
- 3Contact your legislatorsA change needs a new law. Nearby Virginia and New Jersey register them.
- 4Keep every import paperCustoms entry (CBP 7501), DOT form HS-7, EPA form 3520-1, the Japanese export certificate with an English translation, and your bill of sale.
Before you buy one in Delaware
- Plan for private land or off-highway registration, which the DMV has offered instead.
- The court ruling that upheld the refusal: Delaware Superior Court, Dec. 18, 2023 ↗.
Sources: Delaware DMV and Superior Court. Not legal advice.
Can you drive one on Delaware roads?
No. Keep it off public roads.
OHV registration covers off-road use only. On your own land, a kei truck works like any utility vehicle.
- Private landFarms and your own property.Yes
- Public roadsThe DMV refuses road titles and plates.Not allowed
Buying a kei truck near Delaware
The nearest dealers we found are in Maryland and New Jersey.
Buy only for private-land use for now, unless you live in a state that registers them.
Prices nearby
2000 Honda ActyAsking · Maryland dealer$8,300- 1998 Honda Acty 4WDAsking · 54,142 miles · New Jersey dealer$5,700
1998 Subaru Sambar 4WDAsking · 71,080 miles · New Jersey dealer$6,900
Seen Nov. 7–8, 2026. Not offers or guarantees. We're not paid by any dealer.
Kei truck rules next door to Delaware
Moving or buying across the line? The rules change at the border.
Live somewhere else? Check your state
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Delaware questions
Are kei trucks legal in Delaware?
Not on public roads. The DMV refuses to title or register mini trucks, and a 2023 court ruling upheld that.
Why won't Delaware register kei trucks?
The DMV cites Title 21, DelDOT import rules and national guidance against titling mini trucks for road use.
Can I register a kei truck as an OHV in Delaware?
The DMV has offered off-highway vehicle registration. It doesn't allow normal road use.
Can I appeal a DMV refusal in Delaware?
Yes. Under 21 Del. C. 2163, appeals go to the Superior Court in your county. A 2023 appeal lost.
Can I use a kei truck on my farm in Delaware?
Yes, on private land, off public roads.
Can I register it in New Jersey?
Only if you live there. You must register where you live.
Planning ahead? Pick the right truck
If you have land to use it on now, compare the Carry, Acty, Hijet, Sambar and Minicab.
Compare kei trucks →
