It hasn’t been long since a host of us have been pushing the state of Oregon to legalize kei vehicles. Now, Oregon State Senator Anthony Broadman has introduced a bill that’d allow kei trucks to be legalized. Many of us are hopeful.

News Comes From Central Oregon

News of this bill was reported in a story on KTVZ 21 out of Bend, OR, which I discovered on the JDM Oregon Advocacy Facebook Page.

According to the story, “[Senator 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).”

The story goes on to talk with business owners in the area, and discusses how kei vehicles would be a great addition to farms, ranches, and other businesses as an alternative to full-size trucks. Now remember, an alternative doesn’t mean they’re coming for anyone’s F-350. Rather, if we legalize kei vehicles, people are simply provided a new option.

Kei Trucks Defined

The bill, SB1213, specifically references “kei trucks” (not cars), but defines them by having “an engine that has a piston or rotor displacement of 660 cubic centimeters,” as well as specific dimensions of 11 feet or less in length, 4.9 feet or less in width, 6.6 feet or less in height, and an age of 25 years or more. Interestingly, the bill only talks about “trucks” and doesn’t mention cars, vans, or SUVs, yet their definition would fall under “trucks.”

Speed Restriction?

In one section, there is language stating:

A person commits the offense of unlawfully operating a Kei truck on a highway if the person operates a Kei truck on a highway that has a speed limit or posted speed that is greater than 65 miles per hour. The offense described in this section, unlawfully operating a Kei truck on a highway, is a Class B traffic violation.

This leads me to believe there may be a restriction in the bill. This would allow them to operate on roads with speeds under 65 MPH. This is, however, the overwhelming majority of roads in Oregon. This language is only mentioned once.

Good News Regardless

The mere fact that we’re already seeing a bill drafted to legalize kei vehicles is great. I only recently posted about the JDM Oregon Advocacy group. The KTZV story also references the OPB article I recently appeared in.

The fact that SB1213 has bipartisan support is great. Perhaps the recent JDM Oregon Advocates outreach helped. Regardless, our fingers are crossed. This is far from a done deal, however. If you want kei vehicles to be legally registered, contact your representatives to help.