Kei truck in the US: How do these get around regs?

Wally wrote:

Now I want one... I'm guessing Ohio makes it difficult, though.

Found this... Kei Truck State Laws

Zombie Thread!!

Awesome map. I live in MO and am thinking that instead of a 4 wheeler, getting one of these. The primary US dealer is like 3 hours from here. So sweet that I can drive one on the road (up to 45 mph). Need to do more research.

Also, I love the fact that every time I look up something odd, this site is always on the first page.

John Brown wrote: RSM Auto sells them in Jackson, Mi too.

I haven't drove by there in a while, but I recall them all being fitted with knobby, certainly not road legal tires, even the vans. I think this was more of a CYA thing and a selling point to farmers, you can register damn near anything with lights and 2-4 wheels in Michigan.

singleslammer wrote: I live in MO and am thinking that instead of a 4 wheeler, getting one of these.

Many of them are four wheel drive, and also have air conditioning and a stereo so you can go offroad in comfort. I've also seen people selling new wheels to fit them that will accept ATV tires, so they'll be more capable offroad.

Kenny_McCormic wrote: you can register damn near anything with lights and 2-4 wheels in Michigan.

And there is something wrong with that? LOL

You could always do this for a little more power:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL-oNwe2ZH0

EvanB wrote: You could always do this for a little more power: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL-oNwe2ZH0

No reverse though is a bitch.

Klayfish wrote: Waiting for the day they bring these stateside. Or, if you need a minivan version....

Why?

bravenrace wrote:

Klayfish wrote: Or, if you need a minivan version....

Why?

So he can say he drives a TaTa Magic bus?

-Rob

In reply to rob_lewis:

I think it looks cool!

This is more what I was thinking though

petegossett wrote: Indiana can register them as cars.

I haven't even figured out when that changed......they used to impound them if found operating on roads.

I saw this thread and was thinking that a mini-dump truck fitted with off-road tires would meet the needs of 98% of the jobs I encounter in a given year.

It pays to carry spares:

Josh wrote: I know there are also several electric city type vehicles that are road legal under the same guidelines, the Smart dealer up here was selling one a few years ago (don't think they moved too many though).

The local NASA installation uses GEMs as onsite/in-building transport. Those, at least, are not road legal, and they have placards suggesting to not operate them on roads with speed limits over 25mph.

When we service them, they flatbed them to our shop.

Catalina Island, California has some local laws(high taxes/permits) limiting the number of cars on the island but golf carts, Kei Trucks and Mini's seem to be exempt.

Kei trucks are everywhere on the island.