Colorado Becomes The Latest State To Legalize It, Meaning Kei Cars

Colorado has become the latest in a growing list of states that recognize the legality of the kei car. Popular in their home market of Japan for their nimble proportions and teensy, fuel-efficient engines, kei cars are a contested entity in the US, not only because they’re smaller than a Mitsubishi Mirage. Some states have decided to forbid registrating the tiny Japanese runabouts, and Colorado was looking like it would follow suit. However, the Centennial State has now decided to allow the import and registration of kei cars like the Honda Acty, Autozam AZ-1, and Suzuki Capuccino – with a few stipulations of course.

Kei Cars Must Be Classics

The broadest limitation shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who lusts after JDM or European forbidden fruit. To register a kei car in Colorado, it must either comply with federal vehicle safety standards (a list of cars that currently numbers zero) or it must be exempt by being at least 25 years old. That list is quite long, including such adorable machines as the Suzuki Alto Works hatchback or Capuccino roadster, as well as the exotic-looking and -sounding AZ-1 and the Daihatsu Hijet workhorse. (For 2025, it also includes the brutal TVR Tuscan, but since that is neither adorable nor a kei car, it’s a matter for a different story.)

The other big limitation on the statewide front is that kei cars cannot be used on roads where the speed limit exceeds 55 miles per hour. Given their compact dimensions and limited grunt (in Japan, a kei car cannot produce more than 63 horsepower by law), many of them could represent a hazard to other fast-approaching motorists on bigger roads. In our estimation, that’s for the best, as it’ll encourage kei drivers to take the scenic route and avoid the dull drudgery of freeway traffic.

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The Law Has Been Signed, But It’s Not Effective Yet

Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced the kei car law on May 9, but it won’t take effect for a couple years. However, the new law also provides for individuals or entities to petition for a referendum, which would force it to be included on a state ballot in an election. Colorado allows for groups to argue against the kei car law, either in part or whole, until next summer, and if the naysayers gather enough signatures, the law would appear on the November 2026 midterm election. If no one argues against the law (narcs) or if it passes the 2026 election unscathed, Colorado residents would be able to legally register their Japanese mini-mobiles on July 1, 2027.

If that happens, Colorado will become the 30th state to officially legalize kei car registration without significant restrictions, instantly making it cooler than the nine that explicitly prohibit their use: Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont. Governor Polis expressed his support of kei car registration in other states, including Rhode Island, where their use is restricted. “I hope they join the club,” Polis told Car and Driver. “We’re excited in Colorado that now Coloradoans have another vehicle choice to get where they want to go. And I would encourage other states to take the same step.”

Source: Car and Driver, The Fast Lane