Oregon is moving to legalize Kei trucks
Published on Jun 09, 2025 at 7:54 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Jun 09, 2025 at 9:16 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Oregon is officially moving to legalize Kei trucks.
It follows the state of Texas in legalizing the miniature trucks.
Fans of Kei trucks in Oregon will be jumping for joy.
But there is one big caveat to the new laws.
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The Kei truck is an extremely cool and unique concept within the car world.
In case you’re unfamiliar, allow us to introduce you.
They’re small, lightweight pickup trucks that have their origins in Japan.
The Japanese market is subject to ‘Keijidosha’, or light vehicle, regulations.
So, Japanese manufacturers needed to find a way of complying with these laws.
To that end, the first Kei trucks started showing up in Japan in the early 1950s.
Despite having engines no more powerful than 660cc, they are extremely popular.
Their popularity in Asia is mostly due to their size, reliability, and affordability.
Those same factors have led to a growing popularity in the United States.
Texas recently overturned its rules and legislation regarding registration of the trucks.
And now, the state of Oregon appears to be the next domino to fall.
Oregon’s new law, SB1213, was written specifically for cars that were ‘originally manufactured in Japan or South Korea.’
Owners of Kei trucks will have to pay $63 every two years to keep their trucks on the road.
As mentioned, however, there is one big caveat to Oregon introducing this new law.
Kei truck owners will not be able to drive their beloved trucks on the highway.
Section 7 of the bill explicitly bans the trucks from operating on ‘a highway that has a speed limit or posted speed that is greater than 65 miles per hour.’
If you feel like trying your luck, a maximum fine of $1,000 can be imposed.
Oregon State Senator Anthony Broadman introduced the bill.
He introduced the bill alongside his co-sponsor, David Brock Smith.
In a statement, Broadman outlined his support for truck owners.
“Kei trucks are nimble, fuel-efficient, and ideal for navigating rural roads, job sites, and tight urban corridors.
“This legislation simply makes it legal to use a tool that’s already proving useful across the Pacific Northwest.”
Assuming the bill passes, the Kei truck community in America might be about to grow significantly.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
