Massachusetts Bill Seeks to Revolutionize Transportation with Full Legalization of Kei Cars

The Battle to Save JDM Cars in Massachusetts: A Turning Point in the Fight Against DMV Overreach

The war against kei cars has reached a boiling point in Massachusetts, with JDM car owners from across the country banding together to protect their beloved vehicles. After the state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) began denying registration to JDM cars, even those that aren’t keis, owners took matters into their own hands. They’ve introduced legislation to protect their cars and take the matter out of the RMV’s hands entirely.

The Kei Car Controversy: What’s at Stake

For the uninitiated, kei cars are small, lightweight vehicles that originated in Japan. They’re designed to be fuel-efficient and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, a private interest group, the American Administration of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), has been campaigning against kei cars, claiming they pose a threat to American drivers. The AAMVA’s agenda was adopted by the RMV, which began denying registrations to JDM cars wholesale, without bothering to understand what a kei car even is.

The Power of Grassroots Politics

JDM car owners from around the country were outraged by the RMV’s actions. They came together to form a coalition and reached out to members of the Massachusetts General Court (state senate) for support. Their efforts paid off, as lawmakers have introduced Bill HD.5357, which would establish a legal definition of a kei car in Massachusetts and allow the RMV to register cars imported under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards’ 25-year exemption.

What the Bill Would Do

The bill would:

• Establish a legal definition of a kei car that aligns with Japan’s original regulations on body dimensions and engine displacement
• Order the RMV to develop a legal framework for inspecting and registering cars imported under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards’ 25-year exemption
• Approve the registration of kei cars as long as they meet safety standards in their country of origin when they were new

The Future of JDM Cars in Massachusetts

While this bill has not yet been passed, it’s a significant step in the right direction. The fact that lawmakers are now educated on the definition of kei cars and their federal legality may sway their peers to side with JDM car owners. This bill proves that grassroots politics can still be an effective way to fight against big-money-backed opponents and corrupt DMVs.

What’s Next?

The battle to save JDM cars in Massachusetts is far from over. The bill will need to pass and be signed into law before it can take effect. However, the progress made so far is a testament to the power of grassroots politics and the determination of JDM car owners. As the fight continues, one thing is clear: JDM car owners will not go down without a fight.