by Texas has legalized Japanese Kei cars
Texas has finally allowed the registration of Japanese Kei cars that are at least 25 years old. From now on, owners of such vehicles will be able to register them without unnecessary obstacles. Previously, this was almost impossible due to strict restrictions introduced in 2021.
Senate Bill 1816, proposed by Senator Kelly Hancock, received unanimous support in both houses of the legislature. Since more than two-thirds of legislators voted for it, the governor’s approval was not required.
Changes for Kei car owners
Now, the procedure for importing and registering Kei cars in Texas will be no different from other foreign vehicles. The main condition is that the vehicle must be at least 25 years old. This will significantly simplify the lives of fans of compact Japanese models.
Interestingly, the definition of a Kei car underwent changes during the bill’s discussion. Initially, it included strict parameters: an engine up to 1.2 liters, a maximum width of 60 inches, length of 140 inches, and height of 80 inches. However, the final version introduced more flexible requirements, expanding the range of vehicles that can be legalized.
This legislative change opens new opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts. At the same time, it may impact the used car market, as demand for compact Japanese models could increase. Local workshops and service centers will likely also see a rise in demand for maintenance services for such vehicles.
