Rhode Island Lawmakers Seek to Ban Kei Cars
Rhode Island is cracking down on kei cars, a Japanese category of small vehicles, with plans to take all 30 registered kei cars off the road. Lawmakers argue that these vehicles were never manufactured to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, making them illegal to drive on public roads. While trucks like the Honda Acty have been the focus of the ban discussions, lawmakers are targeting all types of kei vehicles, including popular models like the Suzuki Cappuccino and Autozam AZ-1.
The push for this ban began in 2021, and policymakers renewed their efforts in 2024. As it stands, federal law permits the legal importation of any vehicle that is at least 25 years old to the United States. However, individual states hold the power to decide which vehicles are allowed to be driven on their roads. Rhode Island authorities argue that the non-compliance of kei cars with federal safety standards justifies their removal from the state’s roads.
There might be a glimmer of hope for kei car enthusiasts, though. Rhode Island Senator Lou DiPalma and District 71 Representative Michelle McGaw have introduced legislation that would allow owners who registered their kei vehicles before August 1, 2021, to continue driving them legally. However, there are restrictions: the registration would not be transferable, meaning owners would not be able to sell their kei cars within the state. Additionally, owners would be prohibited from driving kei cars on highways with speed limits exceeding 35 mph.
While some lawmakers support this proposed legislation, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) opposes it. The DMV has raised concerns about safety and compliance with federal regulations, suggesting that even these limited allowances for registered kei car owners pose risks.
Rhode Island is not the only state grappling with kei car regulations. Maine began de-registering Mitsubishi Delica vans, a Japanese-market model similar to a kei car, in 2021 due to non-compliance with American regulations. Texas has also started refusing to register kei cars since 2024, although a group of owners is actively fighting this decision. Moreover, Georgia and New York have already banned motorists from registering kei cars.
The growing restrictions and bans on kei cars across multiple states signal a growing concern among officials regarding compliance with safety regulations. While these vehicles may have their charm and appeal to automotive enthusiasts, lawmakers are prioritizing safety and conformity with federal standards. As a result, kei car owners may face increasing challenges in owning and driving these unique vehicles in the future.
