Kei Trucks in North Dakota
Not confirmed: the off-highway rules, the inspection step, and what to ask NDDOT
North Dakota has no kei or mini-truck rule. If NDDOT treats a kei truck as an off-highway or low-speed vehicle, a qualified business must inspect it before a title, and road use is limited.
Kei lawNone
InspectionBefore title
Emissions testNone
AskNDDOT
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons ↗
What North Dakota rules say about kei trucks
Nothing names kei trucks. The closest rules are for off-highway vehicles (Century Code chapter 39-29).
- Off-highway vehicles must be registered, and may not use roadways except where the chapter allows.
- NDDOT's form SFN 58953 says off-highway and low-speed vehicles must be inspected by a qualified business before title or registration.
- North Dakota has no emissions testing.
- A 2025 bill (HB 1346) proposed off-highway vehicle changes; we couldn't confirm the result.
Sources: North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-29 ↗, NDDOT form SFN 58953, North Dakota Legislature (HB 1346, 2025). Checked Nov. 9, 2026.
What to do before you buy in North Dakota
Get NDDOT's answer first.
- 1Ask NDDOT how it classes a kei truckRegular vehicle, low-speed vehicle or off-highway vehicle. Each allows different roads.
- 2Plan for an inspectionLow-speed and off-highway vehicles need a qualified business to inspect them first.
- 3Collect 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.
- 4Check your county roadsAsk your county which roads off-highway vehicles may use.
What to ask NDDOT
- Do you class a 25-year-old kei truck as a regular vehicle, a low-speed vehicle or an off-highway vehicle?
- Which inspection does it need before title (form SFN 58953 for off-highway and low-speed vehicles)?
Sources: NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division, Bismarck. Not legal advice.
Where you can drive one
It depends on how NDDOT classes it.
As an off-highway vehicle, road use is narrow. Section-line and farm roads are where most owners would use one.
- Private landAlways fine, plates or not.Yes
- Public roadsDepends on how NDDOT classes it.Ask NDDOT
Buying a kei truck in North Dakota
No North Dakota dealers we could confirm. The nearest we found are in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
A dealer in Beresford, South Dakota sells new and used mini trucks. Wisconsin dealers ask about $9,000 for a 2001 Minicab.
Prices nearby
2001 Mitsubishi MinicabAsking · Wisconsin dealer$8,995
1992 Honda ActyAsking · Cabot, Arkansas$4,900- 1994 Honda ActyAsking in Japan · before shipping and duty$2,401
Seen Nov. 8, 2026. Not offers or guarantees. We're not paid by any dealer.
Kei truck rules next door to North Dakota
Moving or buying across the line? The rules change at the border.
- MinnesotaWhere a county, city or town allows mini trucks, with a local permit.
Only in some towns - MontanaMVD's 2026 title manual has a mini-truck route: street use with Form MV70A, or off-highway. Ask your county to confirm.
Not sure yet - South DakotaNo kei rule. Ask your county treasurer about street-legal registration.
Not sure yet
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North Dakota questions
Are kei trucks legal in North Dakota?
It isn't confirmed. No rule names them. Ask NDDOT how it would class and title one.
Do kei trucks need an inspection in North Dakota?
If classed as low-speed or off-highway vehicles, yes: a qualified business inspects them before title (form SFN 58953).
Can off-highway vehicles use North Dakota roads?
Only where Century Code chapter 39-29 allows. Ask your county.
Does North Dakota test emissions?
No.
Where can I buy a kei truck near North Dakota?
A dealer in Beresford, South Dakota, and dealers in Wisconsin.
Can I register it in Minnesota?
Only if you live there. You must register where you live.
Got NDDOT's answer? Pick the right truck
Compare the Carry, Acty, Hijet, Sambar and Minicab for cold, snow and farm work.
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