Is A Honda Acty Truck Street Legal In The US?
In general, the Honda Acty truck or any mini truck is welcomed and received quite warmly in the US or Canada. However, not all vehicles are allowed to circulate on the road freely and comfortably.
You may be less likely to see small dump trucks in some US states because of the official ban. But does every state ban the Honda Acty Truck and what are the details of those laws? Let’s follow up with JDM Export!
Is A Honda Acty Truck Street Legal In The US?
A Honda Acty Truck is now street legal in many states in the US. In some states, you can comfortably drive them on public roads while doing your cargo job, while other states are restricting their use and only allowing them to operate on areas or private property.
Below is a list of US states and their information on legalizing the Honda Acty Trucks on the street. Hope it will help you have a broader view of the individual laws of the states and see if you can find an opportunity to circulate the minitruck for work in the area you live.
Circulation of Honda Acty Truck On The Street in the USA
A dump truck is always a great help for you in your business transactions, with a variety of functions from transporting and selling goods, to assisting with farming or gardening. However, just not being able to meet one piece of the state’s traffic laws can all go to waste.
Before deciding to import or trade a Honda Acty Truck with any international dealer, do your research carefully in advance about the laws of your state regarding imported vehicles and the safety precautions that come with them.
With the introduction of a law to apply to an imported truck with a long life, in addition to safety, local car manufacturers must also support the law to prevent outside competition.
Many states allow small trucks to use public roads, albeit with certain restrictions because most of these vehicles lack EPA-compliant engines for road use. States that don’t have minitruck laws often prohibit their use on public roads. But in some, you still can use them for any off-road terrain.
State-by-state rules for using Honda Acty Truck on public roads
Alabama
In the Gulf Coast state of Alabama with its sparkling white sand beaches and Southern charm, you’ll still have the chance to ride a Honda Acty Truck.
Alabama residents may use minitrucks on any public road except interstate highways. The speed limit is 25 miles per hour.
Alaska
Alaska has no state laws regarding the use of pickup trucks. But based on the reciprocity of state motor vehicle registrations, Alaska may allow nonresidents to operate a vehicle registered in another state for 60 days.
Arizona
As of July 17, 2009, the Arizona Department of Transportation declared mini trucks legal to use on public roads.
However, the owner must complete and submit a Highway Use Certificate and ensure the vehicle complies with all existing safety and equipment requirements during the registration period.
Arkansas
Arkansas allows the use of small trucks on the road with a speed limit of 55 mph.
However, these vehicles are restricted to access highways and interstate highways if you register them for farm use.
California
Honda Acty trucks are only allowed on the streets in California. You cannot use them on highways but there is no restriction on their use for off-road purposes.
Colorado
Pickup trucks are not legal on the streets in Colorado. You can only use them in off-road situations such as on the farm.
Connecticut
The Honda Acty or any mini truck is not legal on the streets in Connecticut.
Delaware
The state of Delaware has no laws regarding the use of pickup trucks on the streets and highways.
Columbia
Columbia has no law regarding the legality of using pickup trucks on the streets or highways.
Florida
Florida only allows registered pickup trucks to operate on streets with a regulated speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Georgia
You can’t drive a pickup truck on the roads and highways in Georgia. Sometimes it is possible to drive them on the road if you can prove the vehicle is for farm use.
Hawaii
You cannot use pickup trucks on public roads in Hawaii because the state has no laws or regulations that guide their operation on State roads.
Idaho
Mini trucks are allowed on Idaho Transport Board roads and are a local option with no speed limits.
In this state, mini trucks are considered utility terrain vehicles.
Illinois
The local ordinance allows pickup trucks with a posted speed limit of 25 mph and roads with a speed limit of less than 35 mph.
Indiana
Indiana allows small trucks to travel on public roads and highways without speed restrictions.
But the driver must have the title and vehicle registration.
Iowa
Iowa does not allow the use of Honda Acty trucks on public roads.
Kansas
Kei trucks may be used in cities if local ordinances permit. You can also use them on public roads except for state and interstate highways and interstate.
Kentucky
Honda Acty trucks are street legal where local ordinance allows, but they can only be used to cross state roads. There is no speed limit.
Louisiana
You are free to use pickup trucks in Louisiana with a speed limit of less than 55 mph.
They cannot be used on controlled-access highways, partially controlled highways or uncontrolled interstates, and interstates.
Maine
The state of Maine allows small trucks on the road with a regulated speed limit of 35 mph.
Maryland
Maryland does not allow the use of mini trucks on public roads.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has one of the strictest traffic laws in the union and does not allow small trucks on the road.
Michigan
The state of Michigan does not allow the use of imported trucks on its roads.
Minnesota
You may only use Honda Acty trucks in cities where local ordinances allow it.
Mississippi
It’s legal to use pickup trucks on public roads in Mississippi, but you’ll need to provide a bill of sale, a $100 title bond, and a title application.
Missouri
Mini trucks may be used in Missouri according to local regulations, and they are limited to the 45 mph speed limit.
New York
As far as we know, mini trucks are now legal on the streets in New York. However, there have been several cases where people have been dragged over and in trouble.
Montana
You may use a pickup truck in Montana if local ordinance allows it.
Nebraska
You can use Honda Acty trucks on all public roads in Nebraska without speed limits, except freeways and highways.
Nevada
It is illegal to use pickup trucks on public roads in Nevada.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire allows the use of small trucks with a speed limit of 35 mph. However, the vehicle must be used within 25 miles of the driver’s place of residence or place of business.
New Jersey
This statbans pickup trucks on public roads.
New Mexico
Small trucks are not allowed on public roads in New Mexico.
North Carolina
On June 21, 2019, Governor Cooper of North Carolina signed into law HB 179, thus allowing pickup trucks to be licensed and used on all NC roads.
North Dakota
Mini trucks can be used on roads with a regulated speed limit of 55 mph. They are restricted from traveling on roads with speed limits above 65 mph.
Ohio
Ohio Where local ordinance permits, you may use pickup trucks on roads marked with a speed limit of less than 35 mph.
Oklahoma
Small trucks are allowed on Oklahoma roads without speed limits. But they can’t use the interstate.
Oregon
You may not use pickup trucks on Oregon State roads. Their use as off-road vehicles is also strictly limited as you can only use them to move from one area to another on your farm.
Pennsylvania
Dump trucks like the Honda Acty are not legal on the streets in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island does not permit the use of pickup trucks on state roads.
South Carolina
There is no law governing small trucks in South Carolina
South Dakota
Small trucks are not allowed on state roads in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Tennessee allows small trucks to travel on roads with a regulated speed limit of 35 mph or less. However, this is subject to local ordinances.
Texas
The state of Texas does not allow the use of small trucks on the road.
Utah
You may use mini trucks on Utah roads with a speed limit of 50 mph or less, except on interstates.
Vermont
Honda Acty or any other trucks are not street-legal in Vermont; even registering them can be troublesome.
Virginia
You cannot use Kei trucks on Virginia highways. But you can use them for farm purposes.
Washington
Trucks are legal on the streets in Washington. You’ll see them all over Seattle.
West Virginia
You may only use pickup trucks on West Virginia roads when transporting produce and livestock from a farm along a state highway to a warehouse or packing facility within a 35-mile distance. Update 2022: The 35-mile mark is supposed to downgrade to 20 miles!
Wisconsin
Mini trucks are allowed on the streets of Wisconsin. But the vehicle must be 25 years or older and you will need to register with the collector plates.
Wyoming
Wyoming motorists can drive their mini trucks on any road except interstate highways. Although there is no speed limit, vehicles must stay close to the rightmost edge of the highway if the maximum allowed speed cannot be reached on a particular road.
Overall, none of the 50 states allow small trucks on interstate highways. This restriction is for safety reasons as most Kei trucks can only reach 65 mph, well below the speed limit in the states.
In addition, pickup trucks do not meet U.S. road safety requirements, and older models use non-EPA engines that fail to pass emissions tests for public roads.
The 25-Year Rule For USA-Imported Vehicles
The 25-year rule is an exception to many laws that make it difficult to import and use pickup trucks in the USA. Under this regulation, small trucks over 25 years old are exempt from DOT regulations. Likewise, pickup trucks 21 years of age and older are exempt from the EPA’s emissions restrictions.
As long as you comply with the registration, insurance, and state regulations relating to these vehicles, these 1/4-century-old mini trucks should still be serviceable.
You may want to ask why the years are so long. The reason is that formerly Kei trucks were manufactured in Japan by Daihatsu, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi, and to a lesser extent Nissan and Honda.
To protect their investments and markets, U.S. automakers have lobbied Congress and state legislatures to increase restrictions on imports of these venerable packhorses.
>> Check more: Honda Acty vs. Suzuki Carry vs. Subaru Sambar
Conclusion
If you’re considering buying a Honda Acty Truck, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles for their street condition. We have tried to make the information in this section as updated as possible, but laws may change from time to time in each state.
States with a large number of dealers importing these vehicles are under pressure to make them street-legal. In contrast, states, where the United States puts auto dealers in power, have a stricter stance on the use of pickup trucks. Many states are in the process of allowing or restricting their use of public roads at this time.
To get the most value out of your investment in a Kei truck, ask your dealer or reputable dealers many questions before putting money into this vehicle.
