Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed HB25-1281 into law, officially allowing residents to register and drive kei vehicles starting July 1, 2027. Kei cars, a class of small four-wheel vehicles from Japan, can be imported to the U.S. under the 25-year import rule. Until now, Colorado lacked specific regulations for kei vehicles, creating a gray area for owners.
The new law comes with certain stipulations. Kei vehicles will not be allowed on roads with speed limits above 55 mph, a sensible restriction given their low power output and potential struggles with maintaining high speeds, especially at altitude. The law also clarifies emissions testing for kei vehicles, mandating a static two-speed idle test instead of a dynamometer test.
Colorado joins 29 other states that have laws permitting kei vehicles on public roads, although some states have additional restrictions. For instance, New Hampshire limits kei vehicles to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less and within a 25-mile radius of their owner’s residence. Other states, such as Michigan and New York, have specific restrictions on kei trucks, often limiting them to farm or agricultural use.
The legislation has bipartisan support and is seen as a victory for kei vehicle enthusiasts. Governor Polis expressed hope that other states would follow Colorado’s lead, stating, “We’re excited in Colorado that now Coloradoans have another vehicle choice to get where they want to go.”
The law also explicitly recognizes kei vehicles as motor vehicles under the Uniform Motor Vehicle Law and the Certificate of Title Act, providing clarity for owners and authorities alike. This move is expected to benefit kei vehicle owners who have previously faced challenges with registration due to emissions testing requirements.
As Colorado implements this new law, it will provide a clearer framework for the titling, registration, and use of kei vehicles within the state. This development is likely to be welcomed by enthusiasts of these unique vehicles and could potentially influence other states to reevaluate their stance on kei vehicles.
