Texas has passed Senate Bill 1816, legalizing the titling, registration, and operation of kei vehicles—small Japanese cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs—on public roads, effective immediately, the state announced.
The move allows Texans to drive these compact vehicles, known as kei-jidōsha in Japan, provided they are at least 25 years old, aligning with federal import regulations.
Kei vehicles, defined by Japan’s strict limits on dimensions and engine output, were previously barred from registration in Texas despite being permissible under federal law, which exempts vehicles 25 years or older from standard regulations. The new law addresses state-level restrictions, enabling Texans to use these fuel-efficient, affordable vehicles, popular for farming, deliveries, and hobbyist use.
The legislation, which passed both houses with no dissenting votes, amends Texas law to include a broader category of “miniature vehicles.” These must have four wheels, be self-propelled, comply with federal law, and not be classified as custom vehicles, street rods, neighborhood electric vehicles, golf carts, or off-highway vehicles. This framework ensures kei vehicles, including trucks, vans, and sports cars, can now be titled, registered, and driven in the state.
David McChristian, a Texan who founded the advocacy group Lone Star Kei, spearheaded the effort. His group successfully lobbied the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to adjust its policy toward kei vehicles in April 2024, paving the way for SB 1816 to codify their use into law. The bipartisan support, with more than a two-thirds majority in both houses, allowed the law to take effect immediately, unlike a similar measure in Colorado, where kei vehicle legalization won’t begin until July 2027.
Texas joins 28 other states that permit kei vehicles on public roads, though some impose speed limit restrictions. The immediate implementation has sparked enthusiasm among small business owners and vehicle hobbyists, who value the vehicles’ efficiency and low cost.