Kei Trucks in New York
Not street legal: the DMV rule, why it exists, and your options
New York's DMV says it won't title or register any kei-class vehicle unless you prove it meets US safety and EPA rules from when it was built. Kei trucks can't, so they stay off public roads here.
Road platesNo
TitleNo
Private landYes
BillNone found
Photo: dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons ↗
Why kei trucks aren't legal in New York
The rule is on the DMV's page about registering imported vehicles.
The DMV will not register or title any Kei-class vehicle
- The exception: proof it was brought into line with the federal safety and EPA rules in effect when it was built.
- Kei trucks weren't built to those rules, so they can't qualify.
- The DMV page doesn't mention the 25-year federal import exemption, so it doesn't help here.
Sources: New York DMV, "Register an imported vehicle" ↗, New York Senate and Assembly bill search. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.
What New Yorkers can do now
No road plates. Here's what owners do instead.
- 1Use it on private landFarms, camps and big properties. That's legal.
- 2Don't count on an out-of-state titleThe DMV won't title kei-class vehicles from any source.
- 3Contact your legislatorsA change needs a new law. Neighboring Vermont passed one in 2026.
- 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 New York
- A dealer selling kei trucks here doesn't mean you can register one here. Buy for private-land use.
- An out-of-state title won't help. The DMV won't title kei-class vehicles from any source.
- The DMV's own page: Register an imported vehicle ↗.
Source: New York DMV. Not legal advice.
Can you drive one on New York roads?
No. Without a New York registration, keep it off public roads.
On your own land, a kei truck works like any farm or utility vehicle.
- Private landFarms, camps and your own property, away from public roads.Yes
- Public roadsThe DMV won't title or register kei-class vehicles.Not allowed
Buying a kei truck in New York
A dealer in Goshen sells them, but not for New York roads.
Prices there run about $7,200 to $8,700 for 1990s and 2000 trucks. Buy only for private-land use, or if you'll register it in a state where you live.
Prices in New York
1994 Suzuki CarryAsking · Goshen dealer$7,450
1996 Daihatsu HijetAsking · Goshen dealer$8,500- 2000 Suzuki CarryAsking · Goshen dealer$7,700
Seen Nov. 8, 2026. Not offers or guarantees. We're not paid by any dealer.
New York dealers we found
We haven't visited or checked these yet. Call before you drive out.
- GoshenKei Truck Kingkeitruckking.com
Kei truck rules next door to New York
Moving or buying across the line? The rules change at the border.
- VermontSince July 1, 2026 (Act 153), as a pleasure car or a farm truck. The law's kei definition stops at 130 inches long: measure your truck.
Yes, street legal - MassachusettsThe RMV reinstated kei registrations on Sept. 18, 2024. Passenger or commercial plate by use.
Yes, street legal - ConnecticutThe DMV registers grey-market imports after an inspection, but its page doesn't mention 25-year-old trucks. Call before you buy.
Yes, street legal - New JerseyTitled through the MVC Special Title Unit, then registered at any agency.
Yes, street legal - PennsylvaniaNo new unrestricted road registration since 2021. Antique plates (25+ years) allow occasional, non-business use.
Not street legal for daily use
Live somewhere else? Check your state
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New York questions
Are kei trucks legal in NY?
Not on public roads. The DMV won't title or register kei-class vehicles unless they meet US safety and EPA rules.
Why are kei trucks illegal in New York?
They weren't built to US safety and EPA standards, and the DMV requires proof they meet them, even for 25-year-old imports.
Can I buy a kei truck in New York?
Yes. A Goshen dealer sells them, but you can't register one for New York roads.
Can I use a kei truck on my land in New York?
Yes. Farms, camps and other private land are fine, off public roads.
Is there a bill to legalize kei trucks in New York?
We found none in the 2025–2026 session. A public petition asks the DMV and lawmakers to change the rule.
Can I register it in Vermont?
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 →
