State Senator Broadman proposes legalizing small Kei trucks in Oregon; national group disputes safety concerns

(Update: More comments from Senator Broadman, Bend import mechanic, Kei vehicle supporters)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Sen. Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) introduced legislation Wednesday to legalize the registration and on-road use of Kei trucks in Oregon, calling them an efficient, affordable alternative to full-sized trucks. Many would support such a move, but a Bend mechanic shared some of his concerns with KTVZ News, promptly disputed by defenders of the vehicle.

Broadman says Senate Bill 1213 has strong bipartisan support and is co-sponsored by Rep. Emily McIntire (R-Eagle Point), Rep. Hai Pham (D-Hillsboro & W Beaverton), and Sen. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford).

“Small businesses, farmers, and Oregonians across our state are asking for practical, cost-effective transportation options,” Broadman said. “Kei trucks are nimble, fuel-efficient, and ideal for navigating rural roads, job sites and tight urban corridors. This legislation simply makes it legal to use a tool that’s already proving useful across the Pacific Northwest.”

Kei trucks — small, lightweight utility vehicles originally manufactured in Japan and South Korea — are increasingly popular in neighboring states for their affordability, fuel efficienc, and versatility.  They are often used to haul equipment, transport goods, and complete maintenance work on farms, campuses, parks and private properties.

Their small size and low environmental impact also make them an attractive option for municipalities and contractors in need of flexible fleet vehicles, the senator said.

As recently reported by OPB, these compact vehicles are already being used for everything from farm work and landscaping to local deliveries and municipal services. Despite their growing use elsewhere, Oregon law prohibits Kei trucks from being registered for on-road use.

“Big trucks come with big price tags,” said John Heylin, owner of Unofficial Logging Company, an axe-throwing bar in Bend. “Kei trucks are practical, affordable rigs. They’re a great option for some businesses. I hope the Legislature takes this step to support small businesses and commerce in Oregon.”

SB 1213 defines Kei trucks based on size, age and engine capacity, and allows individuals to register them for a standard fee, bringing Oregon in line with states that have already recognized their utility. 

Right now, there are a few ways to have them in Oregon, by registering them in another state and then transferring them in. You can drive them on private property, but they're not street-legal. 

Broadman told us, "I heard from constituents throughout the state that this was a tool they wanted to use for small business, for recreation. I think that they can be managed and regulated effectively in a way that makes them an option for Oregonians."

KTVZ News also reached out to mechanics and car enthusiasts for their views of these small trucks.

Darin Moore, the owner of Thompson's Import Specialties, has worked on a few of the Kei trucks, and while he's not opposed to the bill, he does have a question regarding federal safety standards.

"Why make a loophole in safety laws for these trucks?" he asked. "And they're bypassing the very problems that in fact they voted for when they passed these rules, of having tire monitor system, backup cameras, a lot of the emissions stuff."

So a bill such as this, he said, "just goes down the slippery slope" and sets a precedent for other foreign vehicles that don't meet standards.

Moore also brought up another point: Even if they're legalized in Oregon, they're still not federally legal, making Kei trucks a "gray market" vehicle. He said it's not easy to get parts for them in the U.S., or English-language manuals and documentation.

KTVZ News heard off-camera from other shops whose reaction ranged from mixed to enthusiastically endorsing Kei trucks.

KTVZ News also heard from David McChristian, the founder and president of Lone Star Kei, a national nonprofit that advocates for fair policies and laws for Kei vehicles.

McChristian said Kei trucks over a certain age are legal to import under a 1988 federal law that exempts older vehicles from federal safety standards and emissions requirements, "treating them as historical vehicles."

He noted that Broadman's bill "simply ensures Kei vehicles are treated like other imports of the same age, leveling the playing field."

McChristian also said parts for the Kei trucks "are readily available in the U.S," as are English-lanugage manuals.