From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
In a significant victory for automotive enthusiasts and the specialty-equipment industry, Colorado and Texas have enacted two SEMA-supported bills--Colorado House Bill (HB) 1281 and Texas Senate Bill (SB) 1816--that legalize the titling, registration and on-road use of Japanese-manufactured miniature vehicles, commonly known as kei trucks.
Originally developed in Japan for efficient, affordable transport, kei trucks are compact utility vehicles with engines under 660cc. Despite their size, they offer surprising capability and charm--earning a loyal following among American enthusiasts. Across the United States, owners are customizing their trucks, hosting meetups and building communities around these cultural icons.
Signed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, HB 1281 reduces regulatory ambiguity by allowing kei vehicles to be titled and registered without being disqualified based on their original design. The law eliminates unnecessary inspections and affirms the rights of owners, sellers and restoration professionals--bolstering a $3.9-billion specialty equipment industry that supports more than 17,000 jobs statewide.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 1816 into law, officially recognizing kei trucks as motor vehicles under Texas law. The bill mandates essential safety features and aligns with federal import standards by requiring vehicles to be at least 25 years old. It also formalizes the state’s 2024 decision to lift its registration ban, reinforcing support for Texas’ $24.7-billion aftermarket economy and nearly 100,000 industry jobs.
Kei trucks are more than a trend--they represent a growing movement rooted in creativity, sustainability and cultural appreciation. These legislative wins reflect that momentum and set a precedent for other states to follow.
SEMA remains committed to protecting the rights of enthusiasts and supporting the businesses that serve them. For more information on these bills or to get involved in kei truck advocacy, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA senior manager of state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.
Photos courtesy of Lone Star Kei and Texas Import Society