In Quincy, Massachusetts, Ray Moy has developed a passion for kei trucks, a class of small Japanese vehicles. Moy’s collection started during the pandemic when he purchased his first kei truck, a 1998 Daihatsu Mira. Since then, he has acquired a total of eight kei trucks, some of which he has sold, with two more on the way. Moy’s fascination with these unique vehicles led him to create a YouTube channel dedicated to them. Kei trucks are affordable, with prices starting as low as $3,000, making them accessible to car enthusiasts on a budget.
However, Moy recently encountered a roadblock when he tried to register a new kei truck at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). He was informed that kei trucks do not meet federal safety standards and therefore cannot be registered in the state. This decision came as a surprise to Moy, as federal law has historically allowed the importation of older kei cars and trucks. Massachusetts is now reevaluating its stance on kei trucks, leaving owners like Moy uncertain about the future of their vehicles on the state’s roads.
The Massachusetts RMV has not provided a clear explanation for its decision to prohibit the registration of kei trucks. A spokesperson for the RMV stated that the agency is reviewing industry standards related to kei-class mini trucks and considering public feedback on the matter. The RMV’s primary focus is on ensuring the safety of all road users in Massachusetts, which has led to the reconsideration of the registration of kei trucks.
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has recommended against registering kei trucks for road use, citing concerns about safety standards. Paul Steier of the AAMVA emphasized the distinction between federal importation laws and state registration regulations, highlighting the complexity of the issue. Despite federal approval for importing kei vehicles, individual states have the authority to determine which vehicles can be registered for use on their roads.
At a recent MassDOT board meeting, kei truck enthusiasts like retired mechanic Arty Chados voiced their support for keeping kei trucks legal in Massachusetts. Chados, who owns a Subaru Sandbar, expressed his love for these unique vehicles and the joy they bring to their owners. However, the uncertainty surrounding the future registration of kei trucks has left owners like Chados and Joe Rose, who drives a Daihatsu Midget II, concerned about potential restrictions.
Rose, who also owns classic cars from the 1920s and ’30s, raised concerns about the implications of banning kei trucks on other vintage vehicles that may not meet current safety standards. He suggested that Massachusetts may lose revenue from excise and sales taxes if owners are forced to register their vehicles in other states. The potential ripple effects of the decision to prohibit kei trucks on Massachusetts roads remain unclear, leaving owners and enthusiasts in limbo.
As Massachusetts continues to review its policies regarding kei trucks, the future of these unique vehicles in the state remains uncertain. Kei truck owners like Moy, Chados, and Rose are hopeful that a resolution can be reached to allow them to continue enjoying their beloved vehicles on Massachusetts roads. The outcome of this debate will not only impact kei truck enthusiasts but also raise questions about the regulation of vintage and specialty vehicles in the state.