Checked against West Virginia law, in plain words

Kei Trucks in West Virginia

Street legal as special purpose vehicles: the 2020 law, the road limits and the equipment

A 2020 law, SB 690, lets mini-trucks be titled and registered as street-legal special purpose vehicles. They need set equipment, and they can't use interstates or roads built with federal highway money.

Yes, with limits in West VirginiaSpecial purpose vehicle. No interstates or federal-aid highways.

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ClassSpecial purpose

Since2020

InterstatesNever

Federal-aid roadsNo

A white Mitsubishi Minicab kei truck loaded high with cut tree branches — A Mitsubishi Minicab hauling cut branches, the kind of job these trucks do best.

The law

What West Virginia law says about mini-trucks

SB 690 (2020) created Article 13 of Chapter 17A for street-legal special purpose vehicles, including mini-trucks.

The law (W. Va. Code 17A-13-1)

Mini-trucks can be titled and registered as street-legal special purpose vehicles.
They need headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, mirrors and a speedometer, among other equipment.
No controlled-access highways, such as interstates.
Mini-trucks may not use roads built under a federal highway program.
Counties, towns and the Division of Natural Resources can ban them on roads they control.

The DMV says a mini-truck that meets every requirement in 17A-13-1 can be registered.

Mar. 25, 2020SB 690 was signed into law.
2021The DMV's rule for special purpose vehicles (91CSR25) was filed.

Sources: West Virginia Code 17A-13-1, SB 690 (2020) ↗, West Virginia DMV, rule 91CSR25. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.

How to register a kei truck in West Virginia

Five steps through the DMV.

Your West Virginia DMV 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.
3Check the equipmentHeadlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, mirrors, a speedometer and the rest of the list in 17A-13-1.
4Buy insuranceYou need liability insurance to register.
5Title and register as a special purpose vehicleAt a DMV regional office. Ask which roads near you are federal-aid roads.

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Papers to bring to the DMV

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: West Virginia Code and DMV. Not legal advice.

Roads

Where you can drive one

Local roads, but no interstates or federal-aid highways.

Many main routes were built with federal money, so check before you plan a trip. One would-be owner worries about the mountains here: a 4WD truck in low gear helps.