Oh kei, then!

By adamg on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 5:43pm

The Registry of Motor Vehicles announced yesterday that rather than ordering cute litlte Japanese kei trucks and cars off the road, it will let them continue to putter around the Commonwealth.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles has completed its preliminary assessment of industry standards related to Kei trucks, cars and vans (Kei Vehicles). At this time, owners of Kei Vehicles will be able to register these vehicles effective September 18, 2024. Kei Vehicles that are already registered may continue their existing registration and renewals, without interruption.

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.

Newly registered Kei Vehicles may receive a passenger or commercial plate, depending on their intended use. Owners who wish to register and title their Kei Vehicles may do so by visiting their local RMV Service Center.

H/t Cinnamngrl.

Topics:

Driving

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RMV

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Comments

As a cyclist...

By Polybius on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 6:16pm.

I would much rather people have the option of buying "just enough car/van/truck" rather than a bloated American truck or SUV that you can't see a child in front of.

If they are so worried about safety

By SwirlyGrrl on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 8:11pm.

Perhaps they should be concerned about brodozers ... but those damage people not in the car. That's all that matters to the RMV, apparently.

So, which is the bad

By Frelmont on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 6:20pm.

So, which is the bad decision? The first decision aligned with federal safety standards, or the second decision after reading the tea leaves and entrails outside of assemblies? There is good responsiveness in government and there’s the other kinda responsiveness in government. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Know what I mean?

Kei say...

By CopleyScott17 on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 6:37pm.

...Storrow THIS.

Can’t wait to be invited to a

By dd808 on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 7:33pm.

Can’t wait to be invited to a Kei party!

If they had a module type you could assemble at home

By g on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 9:03pm.

They could name it the IKei.

Seriously, these appear to be safer than the low speed vehicles currently allowed. I don't see much of a downside.

Is the 25 year limit on imports lifted

By g on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 8:23pm.

so you could import new ones?

These would be a great alternative for so many uses.

They should add Tuk-Tuks as well.

By g on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 9:22pm.

I don't see how we can be considered a (3rd) world class city without good tuk-tuk service.

Maybe after 12:30 am.

Get Phil Eng on this.

Electric tuk-tuks would be

By cinnamngrl on Thu, 09/19/2024 - 12:34pm.

Electric tuk-tuks would be great.

Am I missing something here?

By bgl on Thu, 09/19/2024 - 2:49pm.

Are you comparing Kei cars in Japan to being a third world country? Do you realize that Europe also has considerably smaller vehicles than we do in the US? Are you mentioning Eng here because he is Asian American and Kei cars and Tuk Tuks are from Asia?

No

By g on Thu, 09/19/2024 - 7:38pm.

A silly attempt on my part at some light humor.

I mention tuk-tuks because they are small and would make good local transit after every thing else closes.

I mention Mr. Eng because his record of accomplishment at the local transit agency that closes early.

Do I realize that other parts of the world have different cars tha we do? Again y3s.

Get out more.

Anything else?

tuk tuks are like cargo bikes with roofs

By cinnamngrl on Sat, 09/21/2024 - 3:32pm.

They are gas powered usually but they can be made with electric motors.

Large trucks and SUVs

By Anonrozzie on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 8:56pm.

Are far more dangerous and should require more restrictive licenses to operate. Anything over 2 tons and has poor sight lines. That includes box trucks. And especially if you have to haul a boat or a trailer. Why they are targeting kei cars is beyond me.

Millions of Happy Customers

By Username Unknown on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 9:34pm.

Vehicles like this are in use across this planet...except here. Stop with the foolish concerns about safety.

But without government

By Will LaTulippe on Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:06am.

Who would try to force poverty upon you by limiting the selection of vehicles for sale for legal road use in the United States?

I can't believe people think Donald Trump is a champion of the people after he straight up admitted in last week's debate that he wants to impose steep tariffs on cars, thus limiting the number of them for sale in the U.S.

I don't think I've ever seen

By Don't Panic on Fri, 09/20/2024 - 1:29am.

I don't think I've ever seen one in my parts of Boston; Where are they most likely to be found in Massachusetts?

I may have

By ElizaLeila on Fri, 09/20/2024 - 9:48am.

in the JP / Roxbury area, but it may have been a Honda Acty.