Rules by state


Colorado

Legality

As of May 3, 2025, legality on Kei trucks in Colorado seems to be mixed. Call your local DMV to clarify the registration of Kei cars. People have been successful in registering Kei cars in Colorado and it seems to be easier in mountain towns where no emissions test is required.

As of May 3, 2025, there is a bill heading to the governor's desk to codify Kei cars in Colorado. This bill will allow kei cars that are either 25 years old or older when imported into the country, or over 25 years old when it was previously issued a title in the U.S. Once it is signed by Polis, this proposed law will go into effect on July 1, 2027.

Vehicle inspection

Colorado does not require safety inspections on vehicles, but does require an emissions test based on the county. Counties that require an emissions test.

Title and registration

Requirements for title and registration in Colorado. Link to checklist but below should cover everything:

Texas

Legality

The Texas DMV will title kei-cars as of April 4th, 2024 Title and Registration Procedures for Mini Vehicles.

This is thanks to Lone Star Kei. Currently they are working on passing SB 1816 to codify the legality of kei vehicles in law. 

Vehicle inspection

As of January 1st, 2025, cars in Texas no longer need a safety inspection. Counties can still require an emissions test and most populous counties in Texas do (Harris, Travis, Tarrant, etc) but there is an exemption for cars 25+ years old.

Title and registration

Requirements for title and registration in Texas. Link to checklist but below should cover everything: