- The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has reversed its previous decision on Kei-vehicles.
- The move also clears up confusion about what is and isn’t legal to own and register in the state.
- Kei-car advocates still want a bill passed so the RMV can’t overrule federal authority.
A few months ago, the Massachusetts RMV decided it would no longer allow Kei-car owners to register their vehicles, citing that these cars didn’t meet federal safety standards and were dangerous for public roads. Then, it began rejecting the registration of any imported car, including full-sized models like the Nissan Skyline and BMW 5-Series. Today, however, it’s backtracking on that stance.
It’s unclear why the Massachusetts RMV even began this fight, but the issue is pretty obvious. The federal government says that citizens of the USA can import ANY vehicle to the USA so long as it’s 25 years old or older. Again, for unknown reasons, the RMV decided to stop citizens in the state from registering Kei vehicles at first and then all imported vehicles when it appeared uncertain of what exactly a Kei vehicle was.
More: New Suzuki Spacia Gear Joins The Rugged-Looking Kei Car Party In Japan
Today, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation made an announcement. The RMV will now allow Kei vehicle owners to register their vehicles. Ones that are already registered can simply continue as though none of this malarky happened in the first place. Kei vehicles can revive a passenger or commercial plate too depending on what their intended use is. That’s great news for enthusiasts in Massachusetts, perhaps a battle won, but the war might not be over.
Included in the announcement was this statement. “The RMV intends to register Kei Vehicles while continuing to review safety implications of Kei Vehicles on the public roadways. Plans for conducting a formal study of this subject matter are under development and will be announced once complete.” That sure makes it sound as if the RMV could flip-flop on this matter yet again in the future.
For now, advocates are continuing to rally the troops for a Mass. DOT Board of Directors meeting tomorrow, September 18, in Boston at noon. The next big hurdle for the group sounds like it’ll be convincing the RMV that these cars are indeed safe enough to drive on public roads. We’ll continue covering this as it develops.
