Colorado Revives Kei Car Freedom: Ban Proposal Reversed
Colorado Demurs on Proposed Kei Car Ban: A Small Victory for Tiny Car Enthusiasts
Sometimes, it seems like the voice of the people can make a difference. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has seemingly backed down from its proposed ban on kei cars, just days after word of the plan spread.
In a surprising twist, the DMV informed one Coloradoan in an email response: "Please be advised that the DMV has decided to cancel this promulgation." We’ve reached out to the Colorado DMV for a statement on the proposed ban and its reversal, and will update this story if we receive more information.
This news is a victory for kei car enthusiasts, as Colorado residents have long been able to register and own these tiny vehicles. For now, business can continue as usual, but this doesn’t mean the war is over. Other states, such as Maine, Georgia, and Rhode Island, have already banned kei cars from public roads. However, the organization behind it all, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), continues to push for kei car bans, with varying degrees of success.
The Battle for Kei Cars is Far from Over
The AAMVA has been pushing for kei car bans for years, with a mixed track record. While some states have successfully banned kei cars, others, like Massachusetts and Colorado, have managed to skirt these bans. But you can bet the AAMVA will try again.
The Unexplained Denials of Kei Car Registration
It’s curious that Colorado was denying kei car registrations before the proposed ban was even announced. A Reddit thread shows that many kei car owners in Colorado have been denied registration without explanation. It’s unclear if these owners will be able to register their vehicles now that the DMV has backed down from its ban proposal. One Suzuki Carry owner told us that their registration was initially denied, but they’re planning to try again on December 30 to see if they have better luck.
The Safety Debate
The AAMVA claims that kei cars are unsafe for public roads because of their smaller size and lighter weight, which allegedly puts them at odds with domestic safety standards. However, the same can be said for many classic cars that are eligible for road use. Why the AAMVA is so determined to ban kei cars above all other classics is a mystery. But the Colorado DMV’s ban rejection is a small victory, however temporary, that we can all celebrate.
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