News broke yesterday that Oregon Senator Anthony Broadman has introduced a bill to legalize kei vehicles for road use in the Beaver State. We first saw the news at KTVZ 21 out of Bend, Oregon. However, since then, Central Oregon Daily News has also run the story on Broadman's bill.
In reading through SB1213, it appears there may be rules prohibiting kei trucks from roads faster than 65 MPH. That, however, would be totally OK by us, since there are only two areas of 70 MPH speed limits and they're on interstates in rural locations.
The document defines what a kei car is, including its engine displacement of 660cc, as well as the length, width, and height. There is also wording about the fact that they must be at least 25 years old. This falls in line with federal laws about the importation of gray market vehicles.
These rules are important so as not to misclassify other gray market vehicles as kei cars. It may also help DMVs correctly register kei vehicles, assuming the legislature passes. It should be noted that while there are "kei truck" definitions, there is no mention of kei cars, SUVs, or vans. However, in theory, all should be allowed under the definition.
A host of discussions has begun in the JDM Oregon Advocates Facebook group. Here, a number of other members have said their local reps, such as Representative Daniel Nguyen, have said they'll support the bill.
This is far from a done deal, however. If you want kei vehicles to be legally registered, contact your representatives to help. We have a feeling there might be a fight still, but it'd certainly be great if this sails through. After all, this is common-sense legislation. We have previously talked about it, and hope to see these great little vehicles on the roads in Oregon soon.
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