Massachusetts Reopens Doors to Kei Trucks: Registration Now Available

JDM Car Owners in Massachusetts Win Temporary Victory as RMV Reinstates Kei Vehicle Registrations

For months, owners of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars in Massachusetts have been locked in a battle with the state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) over the legality of their imports. Despite their vehicles being federally approved, the state bowed to pressure from a private interest to keep these vehicles off the road. However, a coordinated campaign by owners has finally yielded a result, as the RMV has announced it will resume accepting registrations of kei vehicles – at least for the time being.

Kei Vehicles Get Green Light

The announcement, issued on Tuesday, has been met with celebration from owners of affected vehicles, which include not just kei trucks but also full-size passenger cars like the R34 Nissan Skyline and Mitsubishi Delica. The RMV’s decision comes after poor implementation of the kei ban led to misinformed RMV clerks denying titles for non-kei imported vehicles. Now, the RMV has tapped out as legislators threatened to go over its head and legalize kei vehicles at the state level.

A Win for JDM Car Owners

The reinstatement of kei vehicle registrations is a significant win for JDM car owners in Massachusetts. It not only lifts the pressure on owners of larger JDM vehicles that RMV staff previously misidentified as kei cars but also gives owners in other states trying to crack down on JDM cars clearer strategies for winning their own battles.

The Road Ahead

While the RMV’s announcement is a welcome development, it’s not guaranteed that kei vehicles will remain legal. The RMV’s worded its announcement in a way that would allow it to backtrack on today’s announcement. It’s unclear if the timing is related to the state congress’s announcement of legislation that would take the matter out of the RMV’s hands. Regardless, JDM car owners in Massachusetts can finally breathe a sigh of relief – for now.

[Image: Autozam AZ-1 kei sports car]

The RMV has completed its preliminary assessment of industry standards related to Kei trucks, cars, and vans and has decided to reinstate the registration of kei vehicles. It’s continuing to review safety implications of Kei Vehicles on the public roadways and will perform a formal study. For now, new kei vehicle registrations are permitted, while existing ones will be honored.

The Bigger Picture

This showdown between JDM car owners and the state’s motor vehicle bureau has far-reaching implications for the automotive community. It highlights the importance of industry standards and the need for clear communication between regulatory bodies and car enthusiasts. As the battle for JDM car owners continues, one thing is clear: the passion and dedication of these enthusiasts will not be silenced.