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Getting started
General information on what are Kei cars, the history of Kei cars, how to buy Kei cars, rules per state, etc. If new to buying a Key car, follow this order An introduction to Kei cars Buying a Kei car How to import a Kei car Rules by state
Subaru
Subaru kei cars
Daihatsu
Daihatsu Kei cars
Buying a Kei Car
There are various sources to buy a Kei car from. Local USA dealers Car aggregators Direct from auction in Japan Importing covers car aggregators and Japanese auctions. See dealerships for local dealers. A local dealer will be the simplest way to get a...
Rules by state
Rules for registering Kei cars in all 50 US states. If your state does not allow registering a Kei car, see Out of state registration for potential loopholes
An introduction to Kei cars
Subaru Sambar
How to import a Kei car
This section will go through the steps of importing a Kei car
Maintenance
Texas
Legality As of May 21, 2025, Kei vehicles that follow federal standards are legally codified by law in Texas, according to SB 1816 (This is thanks to Lone Star Kei) Article covering passing of SB 1816 Vehicle inspection As of January 1st, 2025, cars in Tex...
Local dealers in USA by State
Alabama Berryhill Mini trucks Address: 3499 County Rd 93 Anderson, AL 35610 Phone: (256) 740-7287 Grand Pointe Mini Trucks Address: 2045 2nd Ave NW, Cullman, AL 35058 Phone: (256) 338-9464 Arizona AZ kei trucks Address: 505 W 8th A...
Buying from Japan
How to buy a Kei car from Japan There are a few ways to buy cars from Japan for USA import, car aggregators, and direct auctions. Before naming all the available options, there are some key points to cover Cost of a Kei car Typically, the cost of a Kei car ...
Welcome
Introduction Welcome to KeiDB! I started this project because I purchased a 2001 Subaru Sambar but struggled to find a central spot for information on Kei trucks. I could glue information together through Reddit threads, YouTube videos, and random blog posts,...
Colorado
LegalityAs 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 e...
Subaru Sambar 5th Gen (1990-1999)
Subaru Sambar 6th Gen (1999-2012)
PartsPartLinkAlternator belthttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CB0JV2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
History
Videos on Kei cars
I made this page for videos that would help see the various Kei cars and various Kei car content creators.Kei car content creatorsWay Before The FameFor exclusive Kei vlogging, see Way Before the Fame. Nicholas is the man!MendyKei car historyKei Truck document...
Picking a Kei car
There are quite a few Kei cars available from different car manufacturers. This page will detail what to look for when picking a car, different trims, and other variables.25-year limitation for street-legal carsThe most important aspect of street-legal Kei car...
Alabama
LegalityKei trucks are allowed on any road except for interstate highways. However, kei cars must be able to reach 25mph and are only allowed to reach maximum speeds of 25 mph. Memorandum on Mini trucksA mini-truck may only be issued a mini-truck license plate...
Alaska
LegalityAs of May 6, 2025, Kei vehicles are not street legal in Alaska, according to this Alaska statute. [Source indicating issues registering]
Arizona
LegalityKei cars are street legal in Arizona but titled as an ATV with a street sticker. According to the office memo below:ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONMOTOR VEHICLE DIVISIONOFFICE MEMOT5474July 17, 2009TO: MVD ORGSMVD T&R/DL THIRD PARTY PROVIDERSFROM:...
Arkansas
LegalityArkansas allows for titling and registering Kei trucks in the state. They’ll register the vehicle with a farm tag regardless of whether you live on a farm and require that you do not travel on highways going over 55 mph.Law regarding Kei carsVehicle in...
California
LegalityDue to California's strict emissions testing, California will not register a Kei vehicle without CARB testing. Most places will not test emissions on a Kei car. However, it seems like only G&K in Santa Ana will perform the test, and testing is around $...
Rhode Island
LegalityRhode Island will not register a Kei car. The only other options are private land use without registration or Out of state registration.
Out of state registration
Kentucky
LegalityAs of June 27, 2025, Kei cars are legal in Kentucky. Kentucky Senate Bill 63 (SB 63) classifies kei trucks as "special purpose vehicles," allowing their operation on public roads under specific conditions. Kei trucks are prohibited from operating on in...
Ohio
LegalityOhio defines Kei cars as mini-trucks:(BBB) "Mini-truck" means a vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by an electric motor with a rated power of seven thousand five hundred watts or less or an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement ...
Choosing a port
Most Kei car shipping companies will have a few select ports they ship to. Each port has different rules and requirements. Generally, pick the closest port to your final destination.Port requirementsFreetimeFreetime is much time given after notification of pic...