Maine Kei
Legalize Small Vehicles in Maine
Small. Safe. Useful.
I and many others have always admired these vehicles for their aesthetics and utility, yet we believe that they are being unfairly restricted on our roads by local laws, and we would like to change that.
All we want is the option to legally register and safely use small, low‑speed utility vehicles for local driving. My goal with this movement is to lessen the restrictions that the Maine Secretary of State and BMV have unfairly imposed on smaller utility vehicles, and more specifically, kei trucks.
What are Kei trucks?
“Kei” is a vehicle classification in Japan that has limits on the maximum footprint and engine displacement of a vehicle. These smaller vehicles are popular in Japan because of their low cost, simplicity and ease of use, and utility.
Now the United States might not have the narrowest urban streets and small landmass that the benefits of these vehicles are notably suited for, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have their use. A couple benefits include:
- Great for small business errands
- Very accessible as a first car for a new driver
The Problem
The big problem that I aim to change is that Maine, and many other states, have made it increasingly difficult for these types of vehicles to be registered and driven on public roads.
A recent bill (ME LD875 SP372) was shot down in 2024 that would have allowed mini-trucks to operate on public roads in Maine. It is stated that the reason these vehicles can’t be registered is that they don’t meet U.S. EPA emissions standards or DOT safety requirements. This doesn’t make sense as Maine has no laws requiring a motorcyclist to even wear a helmet. Other vehicles like smart-cars and ATVs are allowed too.
Many speculate that it’s more about lobbyists being against the idea since a lower cost and smaller vehicle would make them less profit and go against the trend of vehicles becoming unnecessarily larger.
A Silver Lining
It is not 100% impossible to import and register a mini vehicle. Maine does allow “antique” vehicle registration, but there are limits. The vehicle has to be at least 25 years old (which vehicles only get more efficient and safer over time, ironically meaning only older less efficient vehicles qualify which is the opposite of what safety and environmental laws are meant to promote).
They are often limited to show/parade use only, and getting insured is also difficult and can lead to total mileage restrictions per year. You can also only register a vehicle as an antique if you have another legally registered “standard” vehicle, so you can’t have these cheap, simple cars as your first or only car, which can defeat the purpose for many.
How YOU can help
Email your local representative.
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