Kei Trucks in Illinois
Not street legal: what the state says, what happened to plated trucks, and your options
Illinois won't register a vehicle that wasn't originally made for US highways. In 2025 the Secretary of State told kei owners their trucks aren't eligible, and pulled plates that had been issued.
Road platesNo
Private landYes
Title brandNot eligible
New lawNone yet
Photo: dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons ↗
Why kei trucks aren't legal in Illinois
The rule is in the Illinois Vehicle Code: the state won't register vehicles that weren't originally made for US highways.
- Illinois refuses registration for vehicles not originally made for use on US highways.
- In 2025 the Secretary of State told owners kei trucks aren't eligible unless a new law allows them.
- Plates were pulled, and titles were branded "Not Eligible For Registration".
Sources: Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/3-401 ↗, The Autopian report on the Secretary of State's explanation, Illinois General Assembly bill search. Checked Nov. 10, 2026.
What Illinoisans can do now
No road plates, but kei trucks are still useful here.
- 1Use it on private landFarms, big properties and business grounds. The Algonquin Commons shopping center uses one for salting and plant care.
- 2Check your titleIf yours is branded "Not Eligible For Registration", it can't be plated here. Keep it for private use.
- 3Ask your legislators for a billNearby states like Indiana changed their laws. The state needs a new law to allow road use.
- 4Don't register out of stateResidents must register where they live. Indiana plates won't make it legal for an Illinois resident.
Before you buy one in Illinois
- A dealer selling kei trucks here doesn't mean you can plate one here. Buy for private-land use.
- Check the title. "Not Eligible For Registration" means it can't be plated in Illinois.
- The law itself: 625 ILCS 5/3-401 ↗ (subsection c-1).
Sources: Illinois Secretary of State statements as reported, owner reports. Not legal advice.
Can you drive one on Illinois roads?
Not without Illinois registration, which the state won't issue.
An unregistered truck on public roads risks a ticket and towing. On your own land, or a business's grounds, it works like any utility vehicle.
- Private landFarms, big properties and business grounds.Yes
- Public roadsThe state won't register them, so they can't use public roads.Not allowed
Buying a kei truck in Illinois
Dealers here sell them, but not for use on roads here.
Some local dealers sell to buyers in other states or for private-land use. Prices for 1990s Actys start around $4,200.
Prices you'll see
- 1997 Honda Acty Attack 4WDAsking · 42,203 miles · Illinois dealer$5,500
- 1997 Honda ActyAsking · Illinois dealer$4,280
- 1999 Honda ActyAsking · Indiana dealer$11,000
Seen Nov. 8, 2026. Not offers or guarantees. We're not paid by any dealer.
Kei truck rules next door to Illinois
Moving or buying across the line? The rules change at the border.
- IndianaQualifying mini-trucks get a mini-truck title and plate. Never on interstates. Ask the BMV first: the rule says 660cc, many kei engines are 656 to 657cc.
Some roads only - MissouriTitled after a Highway Patrol VIN check. The title is marked Non-USA-Std.
Yes, street legal - WisconsinState law tells the DMV to refuse kei-class vehicles, except collector (special interest) plates. Whether the DMV issues those now is unclear.
Not street legal - IowaNo title or plates without a US safety label, which kei trucks lack.
Not street legal - KentuckyWhere a county or city opts in under SB 63, after a sheriff inspection.
Only in some towns
Live somewhere else? Check your state
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Illinois questions
Are kei trucks legal in Illinois?
You can own one and use it on private land, but Illinois won't register kei trucks for public roads.
Why won't Illinois register kei trucks?
The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/3-401) bars registering vehicles not originally made for US highways. The Secretary of State says kei trucks need a new law.
What does "Not Eligible For Registration" on my title mean?
The state branded some kei titles that way. The truck can be owned, but not registered for the road here.
Can I register my kei truck in Indiana if I live in Illinois?
No. You must register a vehicle in the state where you live.
Is there a bill to legalize kei trucks here?
We found none in 2026. Ask your state legislators.
Can a business use a kei truck in Illinois?
Yes, on its own property. A shopping center in Algonquin uses one for salting and plant care.
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 →
