Oregon JDM Advocates: Legalizing Kei Trucks In The Beaver State

 

The majority of U.S. states allow kei cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans to be legally registered for road use, even if there are speed restrictions. However, my state, Oregon, is one of a handful of places that don't allow them. A new group, JDM Oregon Advocates, is looking to change that.

JDM Oregon Advocates is looking for a level playing field in terms of vehicle registration. The site states, "Advocates across the United States are taking action to reverse state bans on titling and registering JDM kei trucks, many of which have been successful. Help us in our efforts to continue that trend here in Oregon." 

Indeed, several states have recently had success overturning their ban on kei vehicle registration, including the two most recent, Texas and Colorado, respectively. Now, many people (including myself), hope Oregon might be the next on the list. I even got to chime in as the "disgruntled Oregonian who can't register kei cars" with an interview on National Public Radio.

There's now a JDM Oregon Advocates Facebook Page for people to discuss this and organize, and if you're on Facebook, I encourage you to join. Here you'll also find a downloadable PDF template to contact your Oregon representative and let them know you'd like them to advocate for legal kei vehicle registration. 

Once you download this, visit the JDM Oregon Advocates' Contact Your Rep tab and find your rep's contact info. Send them your message and call their offices. Let them know you want a level playing field for vehicle registration in Oregon. 

Kei Car Registration In Oregon: It Makes Sense

Really, all we and the JDM Oregon Advocates are asking for is a level playing field for vehicle registration in The Beaver State. When vehicles, such as motorcycles, trikes, classic cars, and vintage microcars, can be registered, why can't Japanese kei cars? While the Oregon Department of Transportation argues kei trucks weren't designed for U.S. highways, neither were many of these other vehicles, such as antique cars, or other vehicles brought in legally under the federal 25-year rule. Yet, they can be legalized. And if we're talking safety, kei cars are safer than motorcycles or motor scooters. 

Kei vehicles offer a more affordable option for those wanting a pickup for utility use. Farmers, ranchers, and other businesses could benefit from the cost savings associated with these vehicles. Not everyone or every company needs a full- or mid-sized truck. This would aid small businesses. Plus, kei vehicles are frugal, maneuverable, and offer vastly better fuel economy than pickup trucks. Additionally, they don't take up as much space, and don't pollute as much. 

For more information on this story, visit our sister site, Crankshaft Culture. And if you're in Oregon and want kei trucks to be registered for road use, do your part and contact your representatives!