Home » In A Surprise Move, Massachusetts Makes It Legal To Register Kei Trucks And Imported Cars Again

In A Surprise Move, Massachusetts Makes It Legal To Register Kei Trucks And Imported Cars Again

Kei Party Victory
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Amazing news for car enthusiasts in Massachusetts today as a campaign to pressure the state Department of Transportation to reverse its nonsensical ban on legally imported Japanese cars has worked! Effective tomorrow, it’ll be legal to register a Kei vehicle in the state, and, even better, existing vehicles will be renewed.

This is another incredible victory for car enthusiasts, especially after an abrupt change in policy by the Commonwealth’s Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) — a policy that continued to get worse with each update and included non-Kei vehicles and vehicles the RMV seems to have invented out of thin air.

Vidframe Min Top
Vidframe Min Bottom

Following the successful playbook of Texas enthusiasts, members of the car community in Massachusetts put together a campaign to reach out to local legislators and try to get them to pressure the RMV to allow the registration of small imported trucks (and non-trucks, like the ones that were inexplicably being banned by officials).

Earlier this month, Representative Steven S. Howitt introduced HD 5357, a bill that would essentially reverse the ban. This seems to have had an almost immediate effect on the RMV as they put out this press release today:

BOSTON — The Registry of Motor Vehicles has completed its preliminary assessment of industry standards related to Kei trucks, cars and vans (Kei Vehicles). At this time, owners of Kei Vehicles will be able to register these vehicles effective September 18, 2024. Kei Vehicles that are already registered may continue their existing registration and renewals, without interruption.

The RMV intends to register Kei Vehicles while continuing to review safety implications of Kei Vehicles on the public roadways. Plans for conducting a formal study of this subject matter are under development and will be announced once complete.

Newly registered Kei Vehicles may receive a passenger or commercial plate, depending on their intended use. Owners who wish to register and title their Kei Vehicles may do so by visiting their local RMV Service Center.

This doesn’t mean the war is over, as the RMV says it’s eventually going to conduct a study, but the battle has been won (and the bill could still go forward).

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Why This Particular Ban Was So Bad

Raymond Moy

Our own Mercedes Streeter has been at the forefront of covering this issue and I recommend reading her great write-ups for background. Unfortunately, Mercedes is on a trip driving [REDACTED] so I’m filling in for her a bit.

Her write-up on this specific policy change from earlier this summer explains why it’s been particularly hard for enthusiasts to drive their cars, even though these cars have been legally registered:

Enthusiasts have been going to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offices to register imported vehicles, only to be turned away without any real explanation. Massachusetts, unlike other states, seemingly decided to ban cars without telling anyone about it. Those who did get some information were given vague explanations like the state no longer liked vehicles with short VINs. Others were told it was because the state is banning all vehicles that don’t meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), like Maine did.

I decided to get to the bottom of the issue and what RMV officials told me didn’t make any sense. The state told me that it wasn’t planning on a total import ban, but just Kei vehicles imported from Japan. One problem is that the state has no idea what a Kei vehicle is.

At the time and based on reports from enthusiasts, it seemed like RMV officials were just looking at any non-standard VIN and choosing not to register the vehicle. This applied to the small Kei trucks as well as larger vans and unrelated vehicles.

How Massachusetts Enthusiasts Won

Kei Cars Ma Ts Copy

A lot of credit goes to groups like the Massachusetts JDM Imports Advocates, a small but active group of car lovers who banded together to educate legislators in order to get justice. In addition to the proposed law from the state representative, enthusiasts have also gotten positive feedback from state senators who could potentially co-sponsor a bill in the upper chamber or support the bill if it were to be introduced.

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The timing of this is also hilarious as there’s a Massachusetts RMV Board of Directors meeting tomorrow and a group of enthusiasts were planning to go as they had previously done.

I’ve never been to an RMV BOD meeting but, if it’s like a lot of state meetings, big audiences aren’t a regular occurrence (and in the video, you can see it’s a small crowd). It’s possible that the BOD wanted this settled before a bunch of enthusiasts in Autozams and Hiaces showed up.

Whatever the reason, it’s great news for enthusiasts and just goes to show that a small but dedicated group of well-organized individuals can have a big impact. It also shows that, in many places, policymakers are willing to listen to smart, reasonable arguments from their constituents.

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Ben
Ben
13 days ago

It’s telling that the AAMVA’s policy here is so bad it actually prompted quick action from politicians.

It’s good that our elected officials are willing to overrule this unelected cabal of alleged DMV and law enforcement people when they overstep, but that organization still needs to be investigated.

My 0.02 Cents
My 0.02 Cents
14 days ago

This is great, now can we work on the Federal Government and get rid of the dumb 25 year import rule and make it 15 years like our neighbors to the North.
Both of our recent Presidents claim to be car enthusiasts, can someone make it happen…

Sivad Nayrb
Sivad Nayrb
14 days ago
Reply to  My 0.02 Cents

Joeby can’t help you.

If Cackles gets in office, she won’t help, either…

Nick Fortes
Nick Fortes
13 days ago
Reply to  Sivad Nayrb

But you believe Dump will help you.

My 0.02 Cents
My 0.02 Cents
7 days ago
Reply to  Sivad Nayrb

We’re doomed then either way!

Myk El
Myk El
14 days ago

This whole thing has this weird feel of a person with some authority at the AAMVA getting a bug up their butt about Kei cars. Not in an actual concern, but more like revenge as if their significant other left them for a Kei car importer. More a crusade against than legitimate concern.

Mikkeli
Mikkeli
14 days ago
Reply to  Myk El

in my opinion, every state DMV is under regulatory capture by legacy auto dealerships. There are possible antitrust violations occurring. Many of these boards are run by a board and not state regulatory staff (who are more sensitive to due process and statutory authority concerns). They are run by business people used to telling underlings to “just get it done.” The FTC should take a look, much like they did in https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/north-carolina-board-of-dental-examiners-v-federal-trade-commission/

Vetatur Fumare
Vetatur Fumare
14 days ago

Whoop whoop whoop – now how do we copy the Massachusetts JDM Imports Advocates’ playbook for New York and other anti-cute/anti-fun states?

TOSSABL
TOSSABL
14 days ago

Welp, nice to see a government agency actually functioning as people intended.
Sad that’s it’s such a surprise to have it happen for reals.

Freelivin2713
Freelivin2713
14 days ago

Yay! I’m still calling them MASSHOLES though. Also,
FUCK THE AAMVA!

MP81
MP81
15 days ago

Now people need to focus on eliminating the AAMVA.

They are the root cause of the problem.

EricTheViking
EricTheViking
14 days ago
Reply to  MP81

I have mentioned a several times before that we ought to look at AAMVA and the potential RICO violation…

Acid Tonic
Acid Tonic
15 days ago

Wow good news for once? Maybe this will snowball once used to show other municipalities the error of their ways.

Christo Arvanitis
Christo Arvanitis
15 days ago

Somehow I think that there will be a follow up chapter to this story regarding the RMV’s “review of the safety implications”. Being a MA resident, I can say that the logic isn’t the hallmark of the MA legislature.

David Handy
David Handy
14 days ago

25 year old kei truck – UNSAFE! 50 year old rusty motorcycle with 20 year old tires – WHY THATS FINE!

Dogapult
Dogapult
14 days ago
Reply to  David Handy

I mean, MA does have safety inspections, so…

Angrycat Meowmeow
Angrycat Meowmeow
15 days ago

The RMV intends to register Kei Vehicles while continuing to review safety implications of Kei Vehicles on the public roadways.

I hate how this is worded to make it sound a little like the Kei vehicles are the bullies here. The safety implications of EV pickup trucks that weigh as much as an unladen semi-tractor are far greater than that of a Honda Beat. The resources wasted on this fight to ban an incredibly small portion of cars on the road, then backtrack…jeez.

Balloondoggle
Balloondoggle
15 days ago

Is that an African or European semi-tractor?

IRegertNothing, Esq.
IRegertNothing, Esq.
15 days ago
Reply to  Balloondoggle

Are you suggesting that semi-tractors migrate?

Last edited 15 days ago by IRegertNothing, Esq.
Rob Schneider
Rob Schneider
14 days ago

Those RMV bureaucrats need to be gripped by the husk.

Sounds like some people lost out on their last HOA elections and are now looking for other ways to make people miserable.

Vetatur Fumare
Vetatur Fumare
14 days ago
Reply to  Balloondoggle

I’m trying (and failing) to figure out how to bring coconuts into this conversation.

Fordlover1983
Fordlover1983
14 days ago
Reply to  Vetatur Fumare

I understood that reference.

Balloondoggle
Balloondoggle
14 days ago
Reply to  Vetatur Fumare

Good on you for trying.

Andy Individual
Andy Individual
14 days ago
Reply to  Vetatur Fumare

Easy now. Don’t milk the meme.

Musicman27
Musicman27
15 days ago

HOLY CRAP!!! THAT IS SURPRISING!

Marques Dean
Marques Dean
15 days ago

And to think this issue came to light more recently when someone tried to register a Nissan Skyline sedan. RMV refused his request because the particular RMV office he went to “doesn’t register Japanese cars”(which was the BS excuse they used),despite the fact that the car was federally exempt under the 25 year import rule.

Sivad Nayrb
Sivad Nayrb
14 days ago
Reply to  Marques Dean

And – we’ll say say it louder for those in the back… The Federal Exemption means NADA to the States.

It’s the State that issues you a title & registration, not the Feds…

Shooting Brake
Shooting Brake
15 days ago

Good news!

Cheap Bastard
Cheap Bastard
15 days ago
Reply to  Shooting Brake

Dacia makes Kei cars now?

Icouldntfindaclevername
Icouldntfindaclevername
15 days ago
Reply to  Cheap Bastard

Read in TG voices LOL

TOSSABL
TOSSABL
14 days ago
Reply to  Cheap Bastard

Great news!!

Spikedlemon
Spikedlemon
15 days ago

Plans for conducting a formal study of this subject matter are under development and will be announced once complete.

Translation: “watch your back, we’ll get you when you least expect it”

Droid
Droid
15 days ago

my legislator had responded positively to my request to support HD.5357.
yay representative democracy!

i just sent rep update about the press release and opined it aint over…
i’m looking forward to AAMVA’s “study”…

EmotionalSupportBMW
EmotionalSupportBMW
15 days ago

I shall get a Dunkaccio in a Suzuki Cappuccino and park the car down by Havard Yard to hurl said drink at tourist in celebration. As is Commonwealth tradition, to cover a loyalist Englishmen in a questionable dark substance to mark monumental days.

Eggsalad
Eggsalad
15 days ago

Celebrate if you want, but this is only a tiny victory in a small battle. The war is still on. Until the group behind these bans is outed and forced to explain their political and financial motivations, the war will continue.

Canopysaurus
Canopysaurus
15 days ago

There will likely be years of “dog ate my homework” excuses from the RMV before they ever produce a study, if they don’t drop the whole thing to tackle the next self-generated crisis. The problem with governments is that they’re constantly looking to save us from things we don’t feel the need for being saved from, while constantly failing to address the things we actually do want them to tackle.

Ranwhenparked
Ranwhenparked
15 days ago
Reply to  Canopysaurus

I sincerely hope that’s the case, but it would have given everyone a lot more piece of mind if they had left that language out entirely.

Canopysaurus
Canopysaurus
15 days ago
Reply to  Ranwhenparked

Agree.

UnseenCat
UnseenCat
14 days ago
Reply to  Canopysaurus

Yeah, the problem is likely to be that AAMVA will send the director of the RMV a sternly-worded email to the effect of “Don’t fail me again, Admiral Director…”

Sivad Nayrb
Sivad Nayrb
14 days ago
Reply to  UnseenCat

Director?

I think you misspelled ‘Comrade’.

Sivad Nayrb
Sivad Nayrb
14 days ago
Reply to  Ranwhenparked

… you expect Politicians to not add in verbiage that covers their asses?

Bob
Bob
15 days ago

I’d be very willing to listen to some actual data about the relative rate at which these vehicles get into accidents and the damage their passengers suffer as compared to those in other models. Right up until the point at which I think about motorcycles.

Ranwhenparked
Ranwhenparked
15 days ago
Reply to  Bob

Also, keeping in mind that we’re talking exclusively about 25+ year old classic cars, which should be lumped in exclusively with other 25+ year old classic cars and not, you know, 21st century models.

MaximillianMeen
MaximillianMeen
15 days ago
Reply to  Ranwhenparked

and not, you know, 21st century models.

Well, at least until next year.

TJ Heiser
TJ Heiser
15 days ago

Huzzah! Sometimes in a stare down – the bully blinks.

James Carson
James Carson
15 days ago

It’s always satisfying to see the light of day shine on the cockroach of bureaucracy.

InTheBackround
InTheBackround
15 days ago

its always nice to see the little guys win against the bureaucrats and government restrictions. Long live the Kei’s

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