Checked against Minnesota law, in plain words

Kei Trucks in Minnesota

Only on roads your county or city allows: how mini truck permits work

State law lets each county, city or town decide. Where a local ordinance allows mini trucks, kei trucks in Minnesota can drive on the roads it names, with a permit. Everywhere else, keep it off public roads.

Only in some towns in MinnesotaWhere a county, city or town allows mini trucks, with a local permit.

Start my permit checklist ↓

Who decidesYour county or city

NeedsA local permit

RoadsOnes the town names

InsuranceRequired

A white 1993 Suzuki Carry 4WD kei truck parked on gravel in front of a wooden building — A 1993 Suzuki Carry 4WD.

The law

What Minnesota law says about mini trucks

Kei trucks fall under the state's "mini truck" rules, in the same law that covers golf carts, ATVs and UTVs on roads.

The law (Minnesota Statutes 169.045)

A county, city or town may allow mini trucks by ordinance, by permit only.
The ordinance names the roads you may use.
The truck needs two headlights, two taillights, front and rear turn signals, mirrors, a windshield, seat belts and a parking brake.
The ordinance may require proof of insurance, and permits last up to three years.

HF 1832, filed March 3, 2025, would let towns allow mini trucks without a permit. Its only action so far is being sent to committee.

Sources: Minnesota Statutes 169.045 (revisor.mn.gov) ↗, HF 1832 (2025), county and city mini truck ordinances. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.

How to drive a kei truck legally in Minnesota

For kei trucks in Minnesota, start with your local government, not the state.

Your Minnesota mini truck permit checklistTick each step as you do it.

1Ask your county or cityAsk whether it has a mini truck ordinance. Clearwater and Swift counties do, and so do small cities like Kiester.
2Read which roads it allowsOrdinances list the roads. Kiester allows city streets but not state or federal highways, except to cross.
3Get the truck road-readyLights, turn signals and other equipment the ordinance lists. Some counties have the sheriff check the truck.
4Buy insuranceMany ordinances ask for proof of liability insurance. If no insurer will cover you, the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan can.
5Apply for the permitBring the truck's make, model and year, plus your driver's license.
6Keep your 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.

Your ticks are saved on this device only.

What to bring for the permit

The permit application from your county, city or town
The truck's make, model and year
Your driver's license
Proof of liability insurance, if the ordinance asks
Your import papers (CBP 7501, HS-7, EPA 3520-1)

Before you buy: check your town

Ask your county, city or town whether it has a mini truck ordinance. No ordinance means no public roads.
Read which roads it names. You may cross other roads that meet them, but not drive along them.
The law itself: Minnesota Statutes 169.045 ↗.

Sources: Minnesota Statutes 169.045 and local ordinances. Not legal advice.

Roads

Where you can drive one

Only on roads your local ordinance names.

Every town is different. In Clearwater County, driving without a permit is a petty misdemeanor with fines up to $300. Outside a town that allows them, keep it on private land.

Roads your ordinance namesWith a local permit.With a permit
Crossing other roadsYou may cross a road that meets a designated roadway.Cross only
Every other public roadNot allowed.No

Buy

Buying a kei truck in Minnesota

We found few sellers here. The nearest dealers we found are in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin dealers sell plenty of trucks, but a Wisconsin title won't give you road rights here. Check your local ordinance before you buy.

See trucks for sale near Minnesota → Import cost calculator →

Prices nearby

2001 Mitsubishi MinicabAsking · Wisconsin dealer$8,995
1999 Honda ActyAsking · Indiana dealer$11,000
1997 Honda Acty Attack 4WDAsking · 42,203 miles · Illinois dealer$5,500

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

Nearby

Kei truck rules next door to Minnesota

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

Minnesota questions

Are kei trucks legal in Minnesota?

Only where a county, city or town allows mini trucks by ordinance, and only with a local permit, on the roads it names.

How do I get a mini truck permit in Minnesota?

Apply to your county or city. You'll need the truck's make, model and year, a driver's license and proof of insurance.

Which Minnesota counties allow mini trucks?

It changes, so ask yours. Clearwater and Swift counties have mini truck ordinances.

Can I drive a kei truck on a state highway?

Usually not. Local ordinances like Kiester's allow city streets but not state or federal highways, except to cross.

What is HF 1832?

A 2025 bill to let towns allow mini trucks without a permit. It stayed in committee.

Can I register my kei truck in Wisconsin instead?

No. Wisconsin refuses kei registrations, and you must register where you live.

Next step

Your town allows them? Pick the right truck

Compare the Carry, Acty, Hijet, Sambar and Minicab for snow, cold starts and hauling.

Compare kei trucks →