In case you’re not familiar with what a Kei truck is, they’re essentially a micro-truck from Japan. In Japan, they’re used to haul goods on docks, farms, warehouses, and marketplaces without taking up too much space. They’re not fast, they can’t tow much, and they can’t haul much – but they have their place on the island.

Americans began importing the small trucks and loved them, due to their small size, good fuel economy, and capabilities. Many models came with seat belts, comfortable seats, large windows, and mirrors. Yet, states like Rhode Island, Georgia, and Maine deemed them “unfit” for roads.

“Kei vehicles and mini-trucks do not meet the definition of Motor Vehicle in section 42-6- 102, C.R.S., because they were not designed primarily for travel on the public highway and are not generally and commonly used to transport persons and property over the public highways in the United States,” read Colorado’s ban proposal.

“These vehicles are light, often right-hand driving vehicles, with smaller body sizes and engine displacement that were designed for foreign roads. The manufacturing standards for these vehicles differ significantly from North American vehicle safety standards.”

Colorado almost rescinded valid titles and registration for Kei truck owners

Colorado promised to void any current titles and registration for Kei trucks in the state. Coloradoans were quick to make their voice heard, including the Colorado-based automotive YouTube channel, The Fast Lane Car. They compared a Kei truck to a vintage 1945 Jeep, which the state deems safe to drive.

Tommy Mica, a host for the channel, noted the Jeep didn’t have seatbelts, no anti-lock brakes, a non-collapsable steering column that would impale a driver in an accident, and terrible suspension.

Yet the Kei truck had a lot of modern features that would keep the driver safe. People like Mica banded together to get the ban reversed.

The DMV decided to reverse the ban

“Thank you for providing feedback on DMV Proposed Rule 1 CCR 204-10 Rule 3 Non-Traditional Vehicle Title and Registration Eligibility,” wrote the Colorado DMV in an email to Road & Track.

“Please be advised that the DMV has decided to cancel this promulgation.”

Therefore, if you live in Colorado and want to import a Kei truck, you’re now free to do so.