In June of 2025, Oregon had its biggest push to legalize kei trucks for road use. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. However, there was quite a bit of bipartisan support behind this, and in 2026, they're going to try to make them road legal again.
Bipartisan Support
Senator Anthony Broadman sent an email on January 19 with the headline "Kei Trucks: Representatives Osborne and Skarlatos, Senator Broadman Reintroduce Bipartisan Kei Truck Bill to Expand Affordable Transportation Options." The email said representatives Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg) and Alek Skarlatos (R-Canyonville), and Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) re-introduced bipartisan legislation for the 2026 legislative session to allow the registration and on-road use of Kei trucks in Oregon. The bill responds to continued interest from small businesses, farmers, contractors, and community members seeking affordable, practical transportation options that better match their needs and scale.
This bill is a continuation of efforts in the 2025 session to modernize Oregon’s vehicle laws. This is in response to rising transportation costs and evolving workforce needs.
Kei Trucks Help Create Affordable Transportation
“Across much of Oregon, functionality and efficiency are more important than vehicle size. Kei trucks are affordable, well-suited for a wide range of jobs, and meet real needs in rural and working communities,” said Representative Osborne, “This bill provides flexibility while maintaining Oregon’s existing safety standards.”
Supporters of the legislation say allowing on-road registration would help reduce transportation costs, expand access to reliable equipment, and give small businesses and rural operators more flexibility to move between job sites and communities.
Senator Broadman said, “Expanding access to affordable, right-sized transportation helps remove cost barriers for small businesses and working Oregonians and supports stronger local economies across the state.”
Representative Skarlatos said, “Our laws should reflect the freedom to use the right vehicle for the right job. We have an opportunity to ensure our transportation system reflects the real needs of Oregonians.”
Establishing Clear Parameters
The bill establishes clear parameters defining Kei trucks by size, engine capacity, and age. It allows them to be registered within Oregon’s existing motor vehicle framework. The approach aligns Oregon with neighboring states that have already adopted similar policies while maintaining existing safety and roadway standards.
The bill will be considered during the 2026 legislative session.
We'll Keep You Updated
We at Subcompact Culture (and Crankshaft Culture) wholeheartedly hope this bill can make it through and become law. We'd love to see kei trucks allowed to be registered in Oregon. They're already legal in many other states, including Washington to the north.
We'll keep you updated on what happens next. Stay tuned.
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