--- title: "Rhode Island Is Trying To Ban Kei Trucks Again" description: "After taking a few years off, Rhode Island is again trying to revoke valid registrations for imported Japanese kei trucks." date: "2024-05-20" modified: "2024-05-20" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/rhode-island-dmv-is-trying-to-ban-kei-trucks-again" categories: - "Culture" - "News" --- # Rhode Island Is Trying To Ban Kei Trucks Again ![1988-90 Honda Acty kei pickup]() *\Honda via Favcars\* It's been a while since Rhode Island's Department of Motor Vehicles [began asking Kei car owners to return their registrations.]() It was in 2021 when the DMV suddenly decided that such vehicles were no longer legal to drive on public roads, but it's cooled off for a bit. However, if you thought the Rhode Island DMV completely forgot about Kei truck owners, think again because it's back at it. This time, however, owners have *some* backup. Senator Louis P. DiPalma recently [proposed legislation ]()that would grandfather in all existing Kei truck owners, allowing them to continue registering their trucks. It doesn't allow future new Kei truck registrations, though, so any new buyers will have to take their Honda Actys and Toyota Hiaces elsewhere. And since new registrations can't be issued, existing owners wouldn't be able to sell their vehicles in Rhode Island, only keep them until they're no longer usable. According to *[Hemmings]()*, the DMV is pushing back on this proposed bill, saying there are "A handful that still remain registered, and the proposed bill would restrain the DMV’s ability to further eliminate unsafe vehicles from the public roadways of the state.” ![]() *1990 Honda Acty kei truck. *Honda via Favcars** The DMV defines Kei vehicles: “Primarily mini-trucks manufactured for the Japanese market designated as ‘kejidosha’ light weight vehicles.” But why the decision to ban Kei trucks from Rhode Island streets? Because the DMV claims they don't meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). And while it's true Kei vehicles don't meet those safety standards, they shouldn't have to. According to the [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]() (NHTSA), imported vehicles at least 25 years old are exempt from FMVSS. DiPalma makes the argument that there are plenty of other lightweight, slow antique vehicles that don't meet FMVSS but are still allowed registration, such as the Ford Model T. When his constituents began complaining about this issue back in 2021, DiPalma contacted the DMV and that seemed to cool the situation off for a while. However, according to the *[Providence Journal]()*, a Rhode Islander recently tried registering a different vehicle but was denied because they own a Kei truck. "We need to do something about this," said DiPalma. Dipalm's proposed bill passed the Senate Committee on Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs on May 7. It's a shame that Rhode Islanders can't buy and register new Kei trucks but at least existing owners now have some congressional support backing them up in this years-long fight to keep their vehicles. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()