Checked against Nebraska law, in plain words

Kei Trucks in Nebraska

Legal as minitrucks: the 2010 law, the road limits, and how to register

Nebraska wrote minitrucks into law in 2010. You can register one and drive it on most roads, but never on interstates, expressways or freeways, and always with the lights on.

Yes, with limits in NebraskaRegistered as a minitruck. No interstates, expressways or freeways.

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ClassMinitruck

InterstatesNever

LightsAlways on

Engine1,500cc or less

A silver Subaru Sambar Classic kei truck with a chrome grille parked beside a green field — A Subaru Sambar Truck Classic, the retro-styled version.

The law

What Nebraska law says about minitrucks

LB 650 (2010) created the minitruck rules, to end confusion for owners and the DMV. LB 898 (2012) updated the definition.

The law (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,379 and 60-121.01)

A minitruck has an engine of 1,500cc or less, among other size rules. Kei trucks fit.
It may not use the Interstate system, expressways or freeways.
It must run with headlights and taillights on.
It registers like other vehicles, in its own minitruck class.

The 2010 law set a minitruck registration fee of $15. Ask your county treasurer for today's amount.

2010LB 650 made minitrucks legal on most Nebraska roads.
2012LB 898 updated the minitruck definition.

Sources: Nebraska Revised Statutes 60-6,379 and 60-121.01 ↗, Nebraska Legislature (LB 650, LB 898). Checked Nov. 9, 2026.

How to register a kei truck in Nebraska

Five steps at your county treasurer.

Your Nebraska 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.
3Buy insuranceYou need liability insurance to register.
4Get a vehicle number checkNebraska inspects the number on vehicles new to the state, usually through the county sheriff.
5Title and register as a minitruckAt your county treasurer. Drive with your lights on.

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Papers to bring to the county treasurer

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 insurance

Sources: Nebraska statutes and county treasurers. Not legal advice.

Roads

Where you can drive one

Most roads, but never interstates, expressways or freeways.

Nebraska's county roads and two-lane highways suit a kei truck. Keep the headlights and taillights on whenever you drive.

Town streetsAllowed, headlights and taillights on.Allowed
County and state roadsAllowed, headlights and taillights on.Allowed
Interstates, expressways, freewaysNever, under 60-6,379.Never

Buy

Buying a kei truck in Nebraska

No Nebraska dealers we could confirm. The nearest we found are in Missouri and Arkansas.

A Cabot, Arkansas dealer has trucks from about $4,900 for an early-1990s Acty to $11,900 for a late-1990s Minicab. Plan on a long drive or a hauler.

See trucks for sale near Nebraska → Import cost calculator →

Prices nearby

1992 Honda ActyAsking · Cabot, Arkansas$4,900
1999 Daihatsu HijetAsking · Cabot, Arkansas$10,900
1998 Mitsubishi MinicabAsking · Cabot, Arkansas$11,900

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

Nearby

Kei truck rules next door to Nebraska

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

Live somewhere else? Check your state

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Questions

Nebraska questions

Are kei trucks legal in Nebraska?

Yes, as minitrucks. They register like other vehicles but may not use interstates, expressways or freeways.

What is a minitruck in Nebraska?

A small truck with an engine of 1,500cc or less, among other size rules in statute 60-121.01. Kei trucks fit.

Do I need my lights on in a Nebraska minitruck?

Yes. The law requires headlights and taillights on whenever you drive.

Can a minitruck use two-lane highways in Nebraska?

Yes. Only interstates, expressways and freeways are off limits.

How much is minitruck registration in Nebraska?

The 2010 law set it at $15. Ask your county treasurer for today's amount.

Where can I buy a kei truck near Nebraska?

We found no Nebraska dealers. Missouri and Arkansas are closest.

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 →