The debate over Japanese Kei cars’ place on American roads has been a hot topic in automotive circles for years, but the conversation reached a boiling point recently as several U.S. states took legislative action against these diminutive vehicles. In a surprising turn of events, the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has reversed its plan to prohibit Kei car registrations, a move that had sparked significant controversy among enthusiasts and rural vehicle owners alike.
Kei Cars: Small but Mighty
Kei cars, a staple of Japanese roads, are celebrated for their compact size, affordability, and quirky designs. These lightweight vehicles are characterized by their small engine displacement—less than 0.66 liters—and diminutive dimensions, making them ideal for Japan’s crowded urban centers. Popular models like the Suzuki Cappuccino and bite-sized Kei trucks have developed a niche following in the U.S., especially under the 25-year import rule that allows older foreign vehicles to be brought stateside.
Despite their popularity, Kei cars have come under scrutiny due to their noncompliance with U.S. safety and design standards. Critics, including the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), argue that Kei cars are unsuitable for public roads due to their size, right-hand-drive configuration, and lack of advanced safety features.
Legislative Pushback and a Surprising U-Turn
In recent years, several states, including Georgia, Maine, and Rhode Island, enacted bans on Kei car registrations, citing safety and regulatory concerns. Colorado appeared poised to follow suit with a proposed DMV rule inspired by AAMVA guidelines. The rule would have not only prohibited the registration of new Kei vehicles but also invalidated existing titles, effectively removing these vehicles from both public and off-road use within the state.
The DMV’s proposal sparked significant backlash from residents and automotive enthusiasts, many of whom rely on Kei trucks as affordable and practical alternatives to utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on farms and rural properties. The ban would have posed a significant challenge for these users, who benefit from the vehicles’ efficiency and low cost.
In a surprising development, however, the Colorado DMV announced the cancellation of the proposed rule. Documents obtained by Road & Track revealed that the agency decided to reverse course after receiving public feedback.
“Thank you for providing feedback on DMV Proposed Rule 1 CCR 204-10 Rule 3 Non-Traditional Vehicle Title and Registration Eligibility,” read an email from the Colorado DMV. “Please be advised that the DMV has decided to cancel this promulgation.”
A formal notice confirming the decision is set to be published in the Colorado Register, according to the agency.
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