Allow the Registration and Road-Legal Use of Japanese Kei Trucks in New York
State To:

- The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS
      DMV)
        - The New York State Legislature
        - The Governor of New York

          The Petition Statement:

          We, the undersigned residents, business owners, farmers, and community members
          of New York, petition the NYS DMV and state lawmakers to reform the current
          registration guidelines and allow Japanese Kei trucks (mini-trucks) to be
          registered and operated legally on New York’s public roads and highways.

          Currently, New York is one of a minority of states that heavily restricts or
          outright denies road registration for these imported utility vehicles. By
          creating a clear, regulated framework for Kei trucks—such as those adopted by
          other states—New York can support small businesses, reduce transportation
          emissions, cost, and provide working-class citizens with an affordable, highly
          practical utility vehicle.

          Why New York Needs to Legalize Kei Trucks

          1. Exceptional Utility and Practicality

          Kei trucks are incredibly handy, maneuverable, and versatile vehicles. Their
          compact size makes them uniquely suited for both tight city streets and rural
          properties. They feature full-sized cargo beds that rival modern mid-size
          pickups while maintaining a footprint that is easy to park and navigate. For
          landscapers, construction workers, small-scale farmers, and urban businesses,
          Kei trucks are the ultimate utility tool for hauling goods, soil, tools, and
          equipment.

          2. Unmatched Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Benefits

          As New York continues to lead in environmental initiatives and emission
          reductions, Kei trucks offer a sustainable alternative to oversized,
          gas-guzzling utility vehicles. Powered by highly efficient engines
          (typically 660cc), these lightweight trucks achieve excellent fuel economy,
          significantly lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for local
          hauling needs compared to standard commercial work trucks.

          3. Financial Accessibility for Small Businesses

          Modern pickup trucks have become prohibitively expensive, often costing tens of
          thousands of dollars. Imported, EPA-exempt vintage Kei trucks (25 years or
          older) are highly affordable. Legalizing their use on New York roads lowers the
          barrier of entry for local artisans, landscapers, family farms, and small
          businesses looking for cost-effective transportation.

          4. A Proven Track Record Across the United States

          Many states across the country—including neighboring Massachusetts—have
          successfully integrated Kei trucks onto their roads. Rather than banning them
          entirely, these states regulate them safely. If New York is concerned about
          high-speed highway safety, the state can easily adopt a compromise: allow
          standard registration for local streets and non-interstate highways, or
          implement a speed-restricted registration class. Denying registration entirely
          is an unnecessary barrier, especially considering that motorcycles and historic
          vehicles with far fewer safety protections are legally allowed on all state
          roadways.

          Our Request to New York Leadership

          We urge the NYS DMV and the New York State Legislature to:

          1.  End the blanket ban on the registration and titling of legally imported,
              EPA-exempt (25+ years old) Japanese Kei-class vehicles.
          2.  Establish a clear framework for road-legal use, allowing Kei trucks to be
                  operated on state roads and highways, with optional safety compromises if
                  deemed necessary (such as limiting operation to non-interstate highways or
                  roads with posted speed limits under 65 mph).
          3.  Recognize the economic and environmental value of these highly practical
                micro-utility vehicles for our communities.

                Join us in signing this petition to bring practical, green, and affordable
                utility vehicles to New York State!