Oregon kei truck legality

The federal 25-year rule (NHTSA HS-7 Box 1, EPA Form 3520-1 Code E) lets you import a vintage Japanese vehicle without FMVSS certification. That clears customs — it does not create a right to register the vehicle in your state.

Oregon draws a hard line at titling and registration. The DMV's own vehicle-types guidance says kei-class vehicles "cannot be titled or registered in Oregon because they were not manufactured for U.S. highways." A mini-truck can be titled only if it meets the Class IV all-terrain vehicle definition in ORS 801.194 — and that title is for off-road use, with no license plate.

Oregon lawmakers have twice tried to open a registration pathway. Senate Bill 1213 (2025) — backed by a bipartisan group of sponsors — would have allowed kei-truck registration with a $63 fee and a ban on roads posted above 65 mph, but it died in committee when the session adjourned. House Bill 4063 in the 2026 short session would have done much the same and also stalled.

Because both bills had support, the door isn't closed — advocates are aiming at a future session. If a bill passes, owners who already hold an Oregon title would likely be able to convert to a street-legal registration. For now, treat Oregon as a no-road-use state.

Can I register a kei truck for the road in Oregon?

No. The Oregon DMV states plainly that kei-class vehicles cannot be titled or registered in Oregon because they were not manufactured for U.S. highways. There is currently no on-road registration pathway for an imported kei truck or kei car.

But I can still import one to Oregon, right?

Yes — importing is federal. A vehicle 25+ years old clears NHTSA and EPA under the federal age exemption. What Oregon controls is titling and on-road registration, and the state does not offer that for kei vehicles. You can own and store one; you just can't plate it for the street.

What is the Class IV ATV titling option?

Oregon allows a mini-truck to be titled as a Class IV all-terrain vehicle (ORS 801.194) if it meets that definition. This is an off-road title only — a Class IV ATV cannot be registered to receive a license plate or driven on public roads. It's for private property, farms, ranches, and designated off-road areas.

Didn't Oregon try to legalize kei trucks?

Yes, twice recently. Senate Bill 1213 (2025) and House Bill 4063 (2026) would have created a registration pathway with a $63 fee and a ban on roads over 65 mph. Both had bipartisan support but died in committee. Advocates are targeting a future session, so the law could change.

I see kei trucks driving in Oregon — how?

Some are operated off-road or on private property, some are registered in another state (a temporary arrangement, not a substitute for Oregon registration if you're an Oregon resident), and some are simply being driven in violation of current rules. None of that creates a legal on-road pathway under today's Oregon law.

Should I register in Washington or another state instead?

Many Oregon-area buyers title in a kei-friendly state. Be aware that establishing residency generally obligates you to register where you live, and Oregon currently has no on-road option. Confirm your situation before relying on out-of-state plates.

Oregon DMV policy and pending legislation can change. Confirm the current titling and registration rules with the Oregon DMV before importing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.