A months-long inquiry into the legality of mini trucks in Massachusetts has finally been resolved. Yesterday, the state's Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced that it would resume registering Kei vehicles today, after temporarily halting the process earlier this year. This decision is a significant win for enthusiasts who have been fighting to reverse a policy that would have effectively banned Kei cars and trucks that are 25 years old or older from operating on state roads.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, owners of already registered Kei trucks will maintain their current registration without any disruption. While the RMV will now register Kei vehicles, the department also stated that it will continue to assess the safety implications of these vehicles on public roadways. Plans are in motion to conduct a study on this issue, with details to be announced once the study is complete.
The RMV's approval comes shortly after state representative Steven S. Howitt introduced a bill aimed at safeguarding Kei cars within Massachusetts's legal framework. The bill calls for the state's RMV to adhere to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), which permits the importation and registration of motor vehicles that are 25 years or older. Motor1 has reached out to Howitt's office to inquire whether he plans to pursue the bill further.
Massachusetts is among several states that have recently sought to restrict Kei vehicles by revoking and denying registrations, despite these vehicles being eligible for import under the FMVSS. Texas advocates also achieved a victory this year by legalizing Kei vehicles in the Lone Star State, with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles adjusting its policy on mini trucks. However, while policy changes have been made, altering the law remains the next challenge for Texas advocates, and it should also be a priority for enthusiasts in Massachusetts.
