Kei trucks in Nevada work ranches and private land

Read from Nevada's own statutes and motor vehicle office.

Nevada has no kei truck law. The DMV's title guide registers and titles gray market vehicles on their federal entry papers with a Non-US Vehicle brand, and the DMV's Vehicle Title Section decides whether a kei truck 25 years or older takes that path. A newer truck imported as governed off-road equipment works ranches and private land with no OHV registration and registers as an off-highway vehicle for recreation on public land.

Road use unclearTo confirmNewer trucks, off highway vehicleFrom Port of Los Angeles

Check your state Your lane

Roads openTo confirmEvery county opens its own page.

Your lane

Which truck are you buying?

Nevada treats the two kinds of kei truck differently. Pick yours and this answers for it.

a truck 25 years or older imported for road use under the federal age exemptions

Road use unclear

Title. Gray market title on federal entry papers, branded Non-US Vehicle.

Registration. The guide lists the documents to register a gray market vehicle. DMV staff told a state committee in 2025 that kei vehicles should not be registered. The Vehicle Title Section decides.

A gray market vehicle needs an HS-7, an EPA form, a CBP 7501 and a VP-15 inspection.
No Nevada statute or rule asks for federal safety standards at registration or names kei trucks.

The rule for a 25 year truckdmv.nv.gov, read 28 October 2026

Read from a secondary source or an older page. Confirm it with the office before you rely on it.

What about a truck 25 years or older?

Nevada's guide titles gray market vehicles with an HS-7, an EPA form, a CBP 7501, a VP-15 inspection and the foreign ownership papers, and brands the title Non-US Vehicle. State law does not name kei trucks for road use.

a newer truck imported as off road equipment, governed to 25 miles per hour and carrying an EPA certified nonroad engine

Off highway vehicle

Where it can run

Private land and husbandry, public land, trails, ways and unpaved county roads unless closed, paved highway crossings and highway portions a city or county designates to reach riding areas, never an interstate.

Title. Nevada titles and registers off-highway vehicles through the DMV. NRS 490.060 counts any motor vehicle used on public lands for recreation as an off-highway vehicle.

Registration. OHV registration and decal for public land. None for husbandry on private land or leased or permitted public land. None for a vehicle operated or stored on private land.

An off-highway vehicle may cross a paved highway after a complete stop.
On a highway an operator obeys traffic laws, displays the registration and wears a helmet.
On a highway an off-highway vehicle needs a headlamp and tail lamp visible at 500 feet, a red rear reflector, a stop lamp and a working muffler.
A city or county that designates a highway may require an operator under 16 to be under the direct visual supervision of a person at least 18.
Federal law admits this truck as nonroad equipment governed to 25 miles per hour, never as a road vehicle.

The rule for a newer off road truckleg.state.nv.us, read 28 October 2026

A newer truck comes in only as nonroad equipment, permanently governed to a top speed and with a nonroad engine certified by EPA before import. It pays the same 25 percent truck duty. What that engine needs.

What about a newer truck imported as off-road equipment?

Used for husbandry or kept on private land it needs no OHV registration. Used for recreation on public land it is an off-highway vehicle and carries Nevada OHV registration. Off-highway vehicles may use public land, trails and unpaved county roads unless closed and may cross a paved highway after a full stop.

Owning one

Owning one in Nevada.

For a 25 year road truck. The first title step by step, the papers, every fee the statute sets, tax, insurance, emissions and the rest. Each line carries its cite, read 28 October 2026.

The frame numberNevada defines the identification number of a vehicle as the number..To confirm

Nevada defines the identification number of a vehicle as the number the maker adopted or the number the Director approves in lieu of or in addition to a motor or serial number, NRS 482.050, so a Japanese frame number such as DA63T-123456 is the maker's number and the statute reads as titling the truck under it. The Department may assign a distinguishing number only when a number has been falsely attached, removed, defaced, altered or obliterated, NRS 482.290(1), for $2, NRS 482.290(2), or for a homemade vehicle, NRS 482.553(3). A Japanese frame number is none of these. Form VP-15 asks the inspector to enter the complete number as it appears on the vehicle and compare it with the title documents. No one may attach or stamp any number on a vehicle except one the Department assigned, a category D felony, NRS 482.553(1) and (4), so an owner should not add a 17 character number to the truck. No DMV page or rule read says whether the Vehicle Title Section accepts a short frame number. For a large all-terrain vehicle the OHV Unit assigns a distinguishing number when the vehicle has no unique number from its maker, the number was removed, defaced, altered or obliterated or the vehicle is homemade, for $2, and the number must be permanently stamped or attached to the vehicle, NRS 490.0835(1), (3) and (4) and NAC 490.115. Form OHV-005 is completed by a DMV inspector, and only when no VIN was found. NAC 490.115(1)(a) has the Department assign as the identification number the one the manufacturer placed on the frame, so a stamped Japanese frame number reads as the number for that path. Whichever number the title carries goes on the insurance policy, because insurers report each vehicle's number to the DMV. Read 28 October 2026.

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Fees set by statuteTitle $20To confirm

The state's own amounts, as its code read on 28 October 2026. The first figure in each line is the one that applies at title.

Fee	Amount	What the statute says
Title	$20	Road path: $20 for a certificate of title for a vehicle present or registered in Nevada and $35 for one not present in or registered in Nevada, NAC 482.907 under NRS 482.429, read 28 October 2026. The DMV adds a title processing fee of $8.25 on every title transaction that includes a complete change of ownership and quotes $28.25 for a first Nevada title and $43.25 for a vehicle not present in or registered in Nevada, in its guide and on its fees page. NAC 482.907 sets the $8.25 for a dealer's report of sale, a long-term lessor's report and an endorsed title on the sale of a used vehicle by a person who is not a dealer, so whether it applies to the first title of a truck imported without a seller's endorsement was not found. Large all-terrain vehicle path: $20 for a title, $35 for one not present in or registered in Nevada and $8.25 on the sale of a used off-highway vehicle by a person who is not a dealer, NAC 490.360, and the DMV's OHV page quotes $28.25 for a title transfer by mail. The title fee may not exceed the NRS 482.429 fee, NRS 490.084(1).
Registration	see note	Road path: 12 consecutive months, NRS 482.206. The registration fee is $33 for a passenger car, NRS 482.480(1). A motortruck with a declared gross weight under 6,000 pounds pays $33 under NRS 482.482(1)(a), which says it is in addition to any other applicable fee in NRS 482.480. The DMV guide and fees page list $33 for a motor truck under 6,000 pounds as a flat rate and $33 for a passenger vehicle. Whether a kei truck pays one $33 or both is not stated, and the Department classes the truck. A kei truck is a motortruck, a motor vehicle designed primarily for transporting property, NRS 482.073, and on the words of NRS 482.087 a motor vehicle designed to carry 10 persons or less is a passenger car, so it fits both definitions. Large all-terrain vehicle path: the Commission on Off-Highway Vehicles sets the fee within $20 to $30 for one year and $60 to $90 for three years, NRS 490.084(2). The DMV charges $20 and $60, on its OHV page and Form OHV-001D. OHV fees are not transferable or refundable. Read 28 October 2026.
Plates	see note	Road path: two plates, NRS 482.265(1). Each carries a 50 cent fee for the Fund for Prison Industries and a production fee set by regulation, not more than $5, NRS 482.268 and NAC 482.295. Large all-terrain vehicle path: a decal and not a plate, NRS 490.083, with a $5 charge for a duplicate decal, NAC 490.360. Read 28 October 2026.
Governmental services tax	see note	Governmental services tax, due at registration. The basic tax is 4 cents on each $1 of valuation, NRS 371.040(1). Valuation is 35 percent of the manufacturer's suggested retail price in Nevada when the make and model was first offered for sale in Nevada, NRS 371.050(1). If the Department cannot determine that price it uses 35 percent of the original retail price to the original purchaser as evidenced by the documents it requires, NRS 371.050(2), and if it cannot determine either it may value the vehicle at 50 cents per pound, NRS 371.050(4). A vehicle 9 years old or more is taken at 15 percent of its initial value, NRS 371.060(1), and the minimum tax on any vehicle other than a small trailer is $16, NRS 371.060(3)(b). By that arithmetic the minimum governs any vehicle whose original price is under $7,619, because $7,619 times 0.35 times 0.15 times 0.04 is $16. On the 50 cents per pound basis the tax stays at the minimum up to 15,238 pounds if the 35 percent applies and up to 5,333 pounds if it does not, and a kei truck weighs far less. The Department's valuation of a kei truck sold new only in Japan was not found. Read 28 October 2026.
Supplemental governmental services tax	see note	Supplemental governmental services tax, not more than 1 cent on each $1 of valuation in a county that adopts it, NRS 371.043 and 371.045. The DMV's fees page lists it for Clark and Churchill counties only. The county where the truck is based, declared on the application, decides it, NRS 482.215(3)(c). Read 28 October 2026.
Vehicle identification number inspection on Form VP-15	see note	Vehicle identification number inspection on Form VP-15, $1 unless done by a peace officer in an official capacity, NAC 482.9005. Read 28 October 2026.
Permit to operate an unregistered vehicle	see note	Permit to operate an unregistered vehicle, $1 and valid up to 60 days, NRS 482.396 and NAC 482.906. Read 28 October 2026.
Sales or use tax	see note	Sales or use tax, collected at registration, see tax. Read 28 October 2026.
Emissions test	see note	Emissions test, where one is needed. The fee is not set by statute. The DMV sets a maximum each year under NAC 445B.600 and stations may charge less. For 2026 the maximum for a light duty gasoline vehicle, one up to 8,500 pounds, is $68.50 plus a $7 certificate in Clark County, $75.50, and $64.50 plus $7 in Washoe County, $71.50, per the DMV's 2026 bulletin. Read 28 October 2026.
Late registration	see note	Late registration. Nevada has no grace period and the registration expires on its date. The DMV's fees page lists the full coming year, the prorated fees and taxes for the gap, a $6 per month penalty on the registration fee and 10 percent on the governmental services taxes with a $6 minimum. A valid movement permit stops the late fees. Read 28 October 2026.
Insurance lapse of 31 days or more	see note	Insurance lapse of 31 days or more, first offense: a $250 reinstatement fee and a $250 fine for 31 to 90 days on a first offense, $500 for 91 to 180 days and $1,000 beyond 180 days, with a certificate of financial responsibility for 3 years once the lapse passes 90 days, NRS 482.557(1)(a). A dormant vehicle whose owner did not cancel the registration before dropping insurance can be reinstated for $50, NRS 482.480(7)(b). Read 28 October 2026.
Large all-terrain vehicle path extras	see note	Large all-terrain vehicle path extras. Vehicle identification number assignment $2, NRS 490.0835(3). A dealer who submits the application may charge up to $2, NRS 490.070(4). Late renewal fee $10, NRS 490.082(4). The OHV Unit takes no payment in a DMV office and existing DMV credits cannot be applied to OHV transactions, per the DMV OHV page. Read 28 October 2026.

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Tax at title2 percent state rate at titleTo confirm

Nevada's use tax is an excise tax on the storage, use or other consumption in Nevada of property bought from a retailer outside the state in a transaction that would have been taxable inside it, 2 percent under NRS 372.185 with the county amounts under NRS 374.190 and 374.191. The Department of Taxation's components sheet puts the statewide minimum at 6.85 percent, and lists 8.375 percent for Clark County and 8.265 percent for Washoe County as of its 1 July 2020 date. The rate is the sales tax rate of the county where the property is used, per the Department's FAQ. When the application is for a vehicle bought outside Nevada and not previously registered in Nevada, the Department determines and collects the tax at registration and refuses to register the vehicle until all taxes and fees are collected, NRS 482.225(1) and (3). An owner who lived or worked in Nevada at the time of purchase is presumed to have bought it for use in Nevada, and can pay and then claim a refund to refute that, NRS 482.225(2) and (5). The base is the sales price with no deduction for the cost of transportation before the purchase, NRS 372.065(1)(c). Credit: the Department of Taxation's FAQ says Nevada recognizes sales tax paid to another state, with the difference due as use tax if that tax was less than the Nevada county rate. It speaks only of other states, so no credit for Japanese consumption tax or for customs duty is described. Whether customs duty paid by a buyer who imports directly is part of the price was not found. The use tax reaches property bought from a retailer, and a retailer includes every seller who makes a retail sale and any person making more than two retail sales in 12 months, NRS 372.055(1). The DMV says private party sales, family sales and gifts are not subject to sales tax, so a truck bought from a private person who is not a retailer may owe none. Whether the Department treats a sale by a business in Japan as a retail sale was not found. The Department's FAQ says a penalty of 300 percent can be assessed on a vehicle where there is intent to evade. For a large all-terrain vehicle the OHV Unit asks for evidence that the tax was paid or the private party affidavit, NRS 490.082(2)(b)(2)(I), and Form OHV-001D asks for a Use Tax Clearance Certificate, which the OHV program's FAQ names as Form APP-08.01 from the Department of Taxation. The yearly tax after that is the governmental services tax in fees. Read 28 October 2026.

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Insurance25/50/20 minimum

The minimums. $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more persons and $20,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one crash, 25/50/20, from an insurance company licensed by the Division of Insurance and approved to do business in Nevada, NRS 485.185(1), read 28 October 2026. The DMV's insurance page and the 2025 guide print the same three amounts.

When it is required. Both paths. Every owner of a motor vehicle registered or required to be registered in Nevada must continuously provide the insurance while the vehicle is present or registered in Nevada, NRS 485.185(1), and an application for registration under chapter 482 must carry proof of it and a signed declaration to maintain it, NRS 482.215(3)(f). The large all-terrain vehicle registration needs the same insurance, proof of it and the same declaration, NRS 490.0825(2) and (3)(c) and (d), and form OHV-031. Insurance from outside Nevada is not accepted on either. An off-highway vehicle that is not registered as a large all-terrain vehicle has no insurance requirement in chapter 490, and the OHV program's FAQ says liability insurance is not required to obtain an ordinary decal, and a truck kept on private land that is not registered has no duty under NRS 485.185, because that section reaches only a vehicle registered or required to be registered. Read 28 October 2026.

The registered owner must be a named insured, the coverage is validated electronically with the DMV and the evidence of insurance, on a card or a phone, must be carried in the vehicle, per the DMV's insurance page and NRS 485.187(1)(b). Operating a vehicle registered or required to be registered without the insurance is a misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $600 nor more than $1,000, reduced to $100 for a first violation if the person has a policy by the time of sentencing, NRS 485.187(3). For a registered large all-terrain vehicle, operating without insurance or without the evidence is a civil infraction with a civil penalty of not more than $100, NRS 490.520(5). Form OHV-031 calls it a misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $100. The statute governs. Nevada has no grace period on a lapse. The Department verifies insurance electronically and suspends a registration it cannot verify, NRS 485.313 and 485.317(4), with the reinstatement fees and fines in fees, NRS 482.557, which prices lapses of 31 days or more. The DMV's insurance page says even a one day lapse brings a suspension and fees and fines from $250 to $1,750. The statute governs. Cancel the registration before dropping the insurance. Read 28 October 2026.

What the insurer will ask. The DMV queries the insurer with the owner's name, the vehicle identification number, the policy number and the insurer's NAIC code, and the insurer reports the vehicle identification number of each insured vehicle to the DMV, NAC 485.155(1)(c) and NAC 485.157(1). The insurer confirms the policy when the query's information matches what it holds, NAC 485.157(4)(a). For a kei truck that is the number the Nevada title will carry, which is why the frame number should be written on the policy exactly as the VP-15 records it, and the policy changed if the DMV puts a different number on the title. The evidence of insurance card must say that the coverage meets the requirements of NRS 485.185. An insurer will also ask how Nevada registered the truck, as a road vehicle under chapter 482 or a large all-terrain vehicle under chapter 490, because the two are different registrations. On Classic Vehicle plates the policy must be designed or designated for classic or antique vehicles or carry an endorsement for them, NRS 482.3816(1)(d), and the DMV asks for the declarations page at first registration and each renewal. Large all-terrain vehicle policy details go on Form OHV-031. No insurer is named here and no premium is given.

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EmissionsTested in named areasRoad path: a 25 year kei truck based in the..To confirm

Clark County, the Las Vegas Valley: addresses within Hydrographic Area 212, within 5 miles of its boundaries or within the city limits of Boulder City. Goodsprings is exempt. The DMV keeps a list by zip code, NAC 445B.593
Washoe County, addresses south of the 40th parallel of north latitude: Reno, Sparks and Washoe Valley. Crystal Bay, Empire, Incline Village, Nixon, Sutcliffe and Wadsworth and addresses served by their post offices are exempt, NAC 445B.594
No periodic test in any other Nevada county or in the remote parts of Clark and Washoe counties, per the DMV's emission control page. The compulsory program covers designated areas, NRS 445B.795

A kei truck. Road path: a 25 year kei truck based in the urban part of Clark County or Washoe County is tested when it registers. In a county of 100,000 or more every passenger car and light-duty motor vehicle powered by motor vehicle fuel that requires inspection under the Commission's rules needs evidence of compliance on registration, NRS 445B.795(1), and no used vehicle that requires inspection may be registered without it, NRS 445B.800(1) and NAC 445B.593 and 445B.594. A truck that has been registered in a foreign country is not a new vehicle, NRS 445B.825(5), so the exemption for the first three registrations does not reach it. Model years before 1968 are exempt, NAC 445B.592(5), so a 25 year truck is tested. A gasoline vehicle is tested whatever its size, per the DMV's page. Model years 1968 to 1995 get a two speed idle exhaust test, NAC 445B.580. Light-duty model years 1996 and newer get an on-board diagnostic test that fails a vehicle with no serial data communication from a certified on-board diagnostic system, NAC 445B.5805 and 445B.5815. A Japanese market truck of model year 1996 to 2001 is not built to EPA's diagnostic rules, which is an inference, and the rules read do not say what test a light-duty truck without a certified system gets. That is a question for the DMV's emission lab. The exemption that fits a 25 year truck is the Classic Vehicle plate. NRS 482.3816(1) lets the Department issue it for a passenger car or light commercial vehicle with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 1 ton or less, manufactured at least 25 years before the application, containing only original parts or duplicates of them and insured on a policy designed for classic or antique vehicles or carrying such an endorsement. A vehicle on those plates is outside the emissions program if the owner certifies it was driven 5,000 miles or less in the previous year, NRS 482.3816(3) and NAC 445B.574, and may not be used for general transportation, which is more than 5,000 miles a year or any commercial use, NRS 482.3816(2) and (11). On the words of the statute and the DMV's application, Form SP 34, a kei truck 25 years or more old may fit. No page read says the DMV issues them to a vehicle titled Non-US Vehicle. A failed emissions test bars the plates for 90 days, NRS 482.2655. A 2025 bill for an Antique Kei Vehicle plate with the same exemption, AB 525, failed. The certificate is valid 90 days, or 180 days from a Nevada dealer, per the DMV's page. Large all-terrain vehicle path: the emissions gate in NRS 445B.800(1) and NRS 482.215(3)(h) sits on registration under chapter 482, and the OHV registration rules and forms read, NAC 490.400 to 490.410 and Forms OHV-001 and OHV-031, ask for no emissions certificate. Whether the OHV Unit asks for anything was not confirmed. Read 28 October 2026.

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Safety inspectionNevada has no periodic safety inspection for a private vehicleTo confirm

Nevada has no periodic safety inspection for a private vehicle. The inspection article of chapter 484D is roadside. A peace officer or Department inspector with reasonable cause may stop a vehicle and inspect its equipment and condition, NRS 484D.560(1), and NRS 484D.570 bars operating a vehicle after notice of an unsafe condition or of missing required equipment. One provision reaches registration. The Director may set up centers at DMV branch offices to inspect vehicles intended to be registered in Nevada, limited to tires and brakes on vehicles under 10,000 pounds declared gross weight that were built more than 2 years before, NRS 484D.560(3), and the brake standards apply to a vehicle at a branch office intended to be registered, unladen weight 6,000 pounds or less, NAC 484D.080(1). The DMV's guide lists no tire and brake step for an imported truck, so whether the Vehicle Title Section uses it on a kei truck was not found. The one inspection the guide lists at title is the identification number inspection on Form VP-15, NRS 482.220(2). The large all-terrain vehicle path has the identification number inspection on Form OHV-002 and no equipment inspection. Emissions testing is separate, see emissions. Read 28 October 2026.

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Licence, equipment and renewalA valid Nevada driver licence for the type or class of vehicle, NRS..

The licence

A valid Nevada driver licence for the type or class of vehicle, NRS 483.230(1). The Class C noncommercial licence covers any single vehicle that does not need a Class A or B, NAC 483.110(3). No endorsement is needed for a kei truck. An off-highway vehicle may run on a highway under NRS 490.090 to 490.130 only if the operator holds a valid driver licence, NRS 490.110(1), and the operator wears a helmet, NRS 490.130(3). The OHV program's FAQ says there is no driver licence or minimum age requirement for an OHV operated off the highway. A city or county that designates a highway for off-highway vehicles under NRS 490.100 may require an operator under 16 to be under the direct visual supervision of a person at least 18, NRS 490.100(3). Read 28 October 2026.

On the road

Road path, chapter 484D. Two headlamps, one on each side of the front, with the center of each between 24 and 54 inches high, NRS 484D.110
Two tail lamps showing red light visible from 500 feet, mounted between 15 and 72 inches high and wired to light with the headlamps, NRS 484D.115(1), (3) and (5). A truck under 80 inches wide also needs a lamp that lights the rear plate with white light so it is legible from 50 feet, NRS 484D.115(4)
Two or more red reflectors on the rear and two or more stop lamps, NRS 484D.120 and 484D.125
Electric turn signal lamps on the front and rear, white or amber at the front, NRS 484D.130
Service brakes that control and stop the vehicle under all conditions of loading and parking brakes adequate to hold it on any grade it is operated on, NRS 484D.250(2) and (3), with the service brake performance standard of NAC 484D.090, a stop from 20 mph in a tabulated distance without swerving out of a 12-foot lane
A horn audible from 200 feet, NRS 484D.400(1), a muffler in good working order and constant operation with no cutout or bypass, NRS 484D.415, and a mirror that shows the highway 200 feet to the rear, NRS 484D.430
An unobstructed windshield and a self-operating windshield wiper system controlled by the driver where the vehicle has a windshield, NRS 484D.435 and 484D.445
Pneumatic tires with at least 2/32 of an inch of tread in any two adjacent major tread grooves, NAC 484D.195(2) under NRS 484D.505, and any required pollution control device correctly installed and operating, NRS 484D.535
A safety belt worn by the driver and by passengers 6 or older or 57 inches tall or more where one is available at the seating position, NRS 484D.495(2). The equipment mandate in subsection 1 is written for a passenger car, and whether it reaches a kei truck depends on the passenger car definition in NRS 482.087, which no page read settles
No federal motor vehicle safety standard is named in chapter 482 or 484D as a condition of registration or operation
Large all-terrain vehicle path, NRS 490.120(1). At least one headlamp that lights objects 500 feet ahead, at least one tail lamp visible from 500 feet behind, at least one red reflector on the rear unless the tail lamp is red and reflective, a stop lamp on the rear and a muffler in working order and constant operation
The operator of an off-highway vehicle on a highway obeys all traffic laws of Nevada, displays the registration and wears a helmet, NRS 490.130

Plates and renewal

Road path: two plates, one on the rear and one on the front, but the front plate is optional if the maker built the truck without a bracket or other means of displaying one, NRS 482.275(1) and (2). The registration runs 12 consecutive months, beginning the first day of the month after first registration when an agent of the Department or a registered dealer registers it, NRS 482.206(1) and (2), and renews each year with no grace period, per the DMV's fees page. A movement permit covers a truck whose registration has expired, per the DMV's emission page. Large all-terrain vehicle path: a registration decal and not a plate, for 1 year or 3 years, renewable online, with a $10 late fee, NRS 490.083 and 490.082(4). A truck registered for the road must surrender its plates before it is registered as an off-highway vehicle, per Form OHV-001D, and NRS 490.060(2)(b) takes a vehicle registered under chapter 482 out of the off-highway class. No kei plate exists. A 2025 bill, AB 525, for an Antique Kei Vehicle plate that barred general transportation failed. The nearest plate is the Classic Vehicle plate of NRS 482.3816, $35 for the plates, a renewal sticker of $10 and a fee equal to the emissions form fee, which the DMV lists as $7, NRS 482.3816(8) and (9) and Form SP 34, with a 50 cent prison industry fee per plate. The first application is made in person at a full service DMV office, the odometer must be operational and the mileage is certified again each year on Form EC 018. Read 28 October 2026.

The off highway decalThe large all-terrain vehicle path is an OHV registration under NRS..To confirm

The decal. The large all-terrain vehicle path is an OHV registration under NRS 490.0825: a decal, a title and Nevada insurance, with the fees in fees. An ordinary OHV decal, NRS 490.082, is for off-road use only and a large all-terrain vehicle decal is for the roads of NRS 490.105 as well, per Form OHV-001D. Registration is not required for an off-highway vehicle used solely for husbandry on private land or on public land leased to or used under a permit by the owner, for one operated or stored on private land or leased public land, for one manufactured before 1 January 1976 or for one of 70 cubic centimeters or less, NRS 490.082(3)(d), (f), (h) and (j). Those exemptions reach registration and the subsection says nothing of the title, which NRS 490.082(1)(b) asks for within 30 days of acquiring ownership. A nonresident owner is outside NRS 490.082(1) to (5), NRS 490.082(6). Read 28 October 2026.

The course. No operator safety course is required by NRS or NAC chapter 490 as read. The Account for Off-Highway Vehicles may fund safety training and education relating to off-highway vehicles through Commission grants, NRS 490.069(2)(c)(8). Read 28 October 2026.

Where a registered large all-terrain vehicle may go: every highway designated a general or minor county road under NRS 403.170 unless the city or county prohibits it by ordinance or resolution, NRS 490.105(1) and (2). A main county road, or the street of a city under 25,000 people, only if the governing body enacts an ordinance or resolution authorizing it, NRS 490.105(3). The DMV says each municipality determines which streets are legal. NRS 490.110(2) bars an off-highway vehicle from an interstate, from more than 2 miles of paved highway and from a highway in a city of 100,000 or more unless specifically designated, and its paragraph (d) adds 'unless it is a large all-terrain vehicle registered pursuant to NRS 490.0825 and being operated in accordance with NRS 490.105'. The four paragraphs are joined by 'or', and paragraph (d) can be read as what lets a registered large all-terrain vehicle use the county roads of NRS 490.105 whatever the other limits, or as one more limit. This file rests on neither reading. Whether the 2 mile limit reaches a large all-terrain vehicle on its county roads is a question for the OHV Unit. Any registered off-highway vehicle may use any public land, trail, way or unpaved county road unless the governmental entity prohibits it, NRS 490.090(3), cross a paved highway after a complete stop as close to perpendicular as practicable, NRS 490.090(2)(a), and use a city or county designated stretch to reach a riding area, never an interstate, NRS 490.100(1) and (2). Registered for the road under chapter 482 a truck is not an off-highway vehicle, NRS 490.060(2)(b), and uses the roads like any registered vehicle. The state OHV program's FAQ says any motorized vehicle without the normal safety equipment or not built to federal vehicle standards is an off-highway vehicle restricted to off-highway use, that a vehicle made and designated for off-road or non-road use may not be driven on public streets even with safety equipment, and that only two-wheeled motorcycles may be converted to road use. That is the program's summary and not an act. NRS 490.060 defines the class by design for off-highway and all-terrain use and takes out a vehicle registered under chapter 482, and the guide lists the papers to register a gray market vehicle under chapter 482, so the FAQ and the guide point different ways. The statute governs and both are noted. The FAQ also says there is no driver licence or minimum age requirement for an OHV operated off the highway, and that liability insurance is not required to obtain an ordinary registration decal. Read 28 October 2026.

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Questions

Is a kei truck street legal in Nevada?

Not confirmed. Nevada has no kei truck law and two routes, and neither is proven for a kei truck. The road route is an application to title and register a truck 25 years or more from its manufacture date as an ordinary road vehicle under chapter 482. The DMV's guide lists the papers for a gray market vehicle and brands the title Non-US Vehicle, and no Nevada statute or rule read names kei trucks or asks for federal safety standards at registration. DMV compliance staff told a state committee in 2025 that national guidance says these vehicles should not be registered, so the DMV decides each application and the Vehicle Title Section is the office to ask. The other route is the large all-terrain vehicle registration, which lets a truck with seating for two abreast use county roads that are not closed. A 2025 bill for an Antique Kei Vehicle plate failed.

What is the large ATV route?

NRS 490.043 calls an all-terrain vehicle with seating for at least two people abreast a large all-terrain vehicle. The DMV's OHV Unit registers one to operate on the roads of NRS 490.105 against Nevada liability insurance of 25/50/20 on Form OHV-031. It gets a decal, not a plate. It may use every general and minor county road unless the city or county closes it. A main county road or the street of a city under 25,000 people is open to it only where the governing body opens it. It needs a headlamp, a tail lamp, a rear reflector, a stop lamp and a muffler, a driver licence and a helmet. The decal costs $20 for a year or $60 for three years at the DMV, within the statute's $20 to $30 and $60 to $90 bands. Chapter 490 never defines an all-terrain vehicle, and nothing read says the OHV Unit has accepted a kei truck.

What does the DMV need to title an imported kei truck?

Form VP 222 with Nevada insurance, a VIN inspection on Form VP-15, the foreign evidence of ownership (the Japanese export certificate) with bills of sale for a complete chain of ownership and the stamped entry papers: CBP Form 7501, DOT Form HS-7 and the EPA declaration. The guide lists EPA Form 3520-21 and a road truck's entry carries 3520-1, so ask the Vehicle Title Section which it takes. Without an ownership paper the guide asks for a Statement of Facts on Form VP-22. Neither the law nor the guide asks for a translation, but the Department must be satisfied of ownership. The title comes branded Non-US Vehicle. Nevada has no periodic safety inspection. The law lets the DMV check tires and brakes at a branch office on a vehicle intended for registration, and the guide lists no such step for an imported truck.

My truck has a frame number, not a 17 character VIN. Can Nevada title it?

The statute defines a vehicle's identification number as the number its maker adopted, so a Japanese frame number reads as the number for the title, and the Department assigns a number only when one was falsely attached, removed, defaced, altered or obliterated or the vehicle is homemade. No DMV page read says it rejects a short number. Do not stamp or attach any number the Department did not assign, which is a felony. Whichever number the title carries is the number your insurance policy must carry, because insurers report it to the DMV.

Does a kei truck need an emissions test in Nevada?

Only where it is based in the urban part of Clark County (the Las Vegas Valley with a 5 mile buffer and Boulder City) or in Washoe County south of the 40th parallel (Reno and Sparks). There a gasoline truck of model year 1968 or newer is tested when it registers, and a truck registered abroad is not a new vehicle, so no first three registrations exemption applies. The DMV's rule for model years 1996 and newer is an on-board diagnostic test, and what a Japanese market truck without that system gets is a question for the DMV's emission lab. Anywhere else in Nevada there is no periodic test. A truck 25 years or more old with a rated capacity of 1 ton or less may apply for Classic Vehicle plates, which exempt it if it is driven 5,000 miles or less a year and not for business, and no page read says the DMV issues them to a truck titled Non-US Vehicle. The large all-terrain vehicle registration rules read ask for no emissions certificate.

What does it cost to title and register a kei truck in Nevada?

On the road path the DMV quotes $28.25 for a first Nevada title, a $20 title fee and an $8.25 processing fee, and the statute sets a $33 registration fee and a further $33 for a motortruck under 6,000 pounds, which the DMV's own table lists as one flat $33, so the Department decides which applies. Add the governmental services tax, 4 cents per $1 of valuation with a $16 minimum that governs any vehicle whose original price is under $7,619, two plates at 50 cents and up to $5 each and a $1 VIN inspection. Nevada use tax is collected at registration on a truck bought outside the state, the sales tax rate of the county where it is used, with credit for sales tax paid to another state. On the large all-terrain vehicle path the decal is $20 for a year or $60 for three years plus the title fee.

What insurance does a kei truck need in Nevada?

Liability of at least $25,000 for one person's injury, $50,000 for two or more people and $20,000 for property damage from a company licensed in Nevada, on either path. The registered owner must be a named insured, the policy must carry the truck's number exactly as the title shows it because the insurer reports it to the DMV, and the evidence of insurance must say the coverage meets NRS 485.185. Insurance from outside Nevada is not accepted. Nevada has no grace period on a lapse. A truck kept unregistered on private land has no duty under that statute.

Do I need OHV registration to use a kei truck on a ranch?

Not to use it solely for husbandry on private land or on public land you lease or hold a permit for, or to operate or store it on private land. Those exemptions in NRS 490.082(3) reach the registration and say nothing of the title, which the statute asks for within 30 days of acquiring an off-highway vehicle. Used for recreation on public land the truck would be an off-highway vehicle and need the OHV registration. Whether the OHV Unit treats a kei truck as an off-highway vehicle at all was not confirmed.

The official pages

Who decides here

Ask the office that decides.

Nevada's law does not settle a kei truck on the road plainly, so the office below makes the call on each truck. We ask it with you before you buy.

The deciding office

Nevada DMV Vehicle Title Section, 702 486 4368 (Reno and Carson City 775 684 4368)

702 486 4368

Nevada DMV Registration and Title Guide, revised April 2025, section 4: All the following documents are required to register and title a gray market vehicle ... The Nevada Certificate of Title will be branded Non-US Vehicle to provide notice to future owners that the vehicle was a foreign or gray market vehicle. Against it, minutes of the DMV's 8 April 2025 emissions advisory committee record DMV compliance staff saying that national guidance holds these vehicles should not be registered or on the road.

The office pagedmv.nv.gov, read 28 October 2026

County by county

The rules in detail.

Where a newer off road truck or a UTV can run in Nevada, county by county, as each county's and town's own acts read. Every county on the map above opens its own page.

Statewide

A governed kei truck fits Nevada's off-highway vehicle class, so these are its routes. NRS 490.060 counts any motor vehicle designed primarily for off-highway and all-terrain use and any motor vehicle used on public lands for recreation, and the state OHV program says a vehicle made and labelled for off-road or non-road use may not be driven on Nevada streets or highways even with safety equipment except where a city or county designates a stretch. With two seats side by side a kei truck also meets the large all-terrain vehicle test of NRS 490.043, which Senate Bill 338 of 2023 cut to seating for two people abreast, though chapter 490 never defines an all-terrain vehicle and the DMV's form OHV-031 (1/2024) still quotes the older words, four seats or a truck bed, which a kei truck meets through its bed. Registered under NRS 490.0825 with Nevada insurance and the lamps of NRS 490.120, a large all-terrain vehicle may by statute use every general and minor county road unless the county or city closes it, and main county roads and the streets of cities under 25,000 people only where an ordinance or resolution opens them, NRS 490.105. Any registered OHV may use public land, trails, ways and unpaved county roads unless closed, cross a paved highway after a full stop and use stretches a city or county designates to reach a riding area, never an interstate and never more than 2 miles of pavement. Whether the DMV's OHV Unit accepts a kei truck as a large all-terrain vehicle is the one question to put to it. A 25 year truck sits on the other side of the line. If the DMV titles and registers it under chapter 482 as a gray market road vehicle, NRS 490.060(2)(b) takes it out of the OHV class and it uses the roads outright. If the DMV declines, as its compliance staff told a state committee in 2025 it should, the program's rule that a vehicle not built to federal standards is an off-highway vehicle points it back to OHV or large all-terrain registration and to these routes.

NRS 490.090, 490.100, 490.105 and 490.110leg.state.nv.us, read 28 October 2026

Carson City County To confirm

Carson City designates no OHV route on its streets or roads so OHVs may only cross them, and whether state law's default opening of unpaved county roads reaches the consolidated city is still to confirm.

In town Closed

Closed Carson City. No street is opened to OHVs. Titles 8 and 10 have no OHV chapter and name no OHV route, so OHVs may only cross. Carson City Municipal Code Titles 8 and 10, Municode version of 26 August 2026, read 28 October 2026

County roads To confirm

Carson City is one consolidated city and county and its code designates no OHV route. Whether its unpaved roads count as unpaved county roads that NRS 490.090(3) opens by default, and whether its roads carry the general and minor county road classes NRS 490.105 relies on, was not settled. A sheriff's notice found through search says Carson City has no designated OHV routes, but it could not be opened from here. Carson City Municipal Code Titles 8 and 10, Municode version of 26 August 2026, no OHV act, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Churchill County Roads open

Churchill County passes no OHV act of its own, so state law opens its unpaved county roads to registered OHVs and its general and minor county roads to registered and insured large all-terrain vehicles, while Fallon opens no street and state highways are crossing only.

In town Closed

Closed Fallon. No street is opened to OHVs. Title 10 has no OHV chapter and no section names an OHV route, so OHVs may only cross. Fallon Municipal Code Title 10, Municode version of 16 June 2026, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

No county act opens or closes a road to OHVs, so state law governs. NRS 490.090(3) lets a registered OHV use any public land, trail, way or unpaved county road unless the county prohibits it, and NRS 490.105 lets a large all-terrain vehicle registered under NRS 490.0825 with insurance and the lamps of NRS 490.120 use every general and minor county road unless the county closes it by ordinance or resolution. Paved main county roads stay closed except to cross. Title 10 (Chapters 10.03 to 10.06) and Title 12 of the county code were read and carry no OHV rule. NRS 490.090 and 490.105, no county act, Churchill County Code Titles 10 and 12 as published on municipalcodeonline, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Clark County Roads open

Clark County opens every unpaved county road unless signed closed and only the paved roads on its own list for trips to riding areas, Mesquite opens its streets to equipped OHVs with a licensed and insured driver, Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City open none and state highways are crossing only.

In town Some

Closed Las Vegas. No street is opened to OHVs. Chapter 11.26 governs driving off the road on land with permission, not street routes. In a city of 100,000 or more NRS 490.110 keeps OHVs off every highway the city has not designated, and none is. Las Vegas Municipal Code Title 11, codified through Ordinance No. 6937, passed 21 January 2026, read 28 October 2026
Closed Henderson. No street is opened to OHVs. Chapter 10.58 prohibits off-road use of motor vehicles and Chapter 10.62 covers golf carts only. In a city of 100,000 or more NRS 490.110 keeps OHVs off every highway the city has not designated. Henderson Municipal Code Title 10, Municode version of 15 September 2026, read 28 October 2026
Closed North Las Vegas. No street is opened to OHVs. Title 10 has no OHV chapter. In a city of 100,000 or more NRS 490.110 keeps OHVs off every highway the city has not designated. North Las Vegas Municipal Code Title 10, Municode version of 25 September 2026, read 28 October 2026
Closed Boulder City. No street is opened to OHVs. Title 10 was read in full and names no OHV route, so OHVs may only cross. Boulder City Code Title 10, Municode version of 2 September 2026, read 28 October 2026
Open Mesquite. Every public street, road and highway in the city is open to an OHV that meets the city's operator and equipment rules, apart from Interstate 15, sidewalks, marked pedestrian and bike paths and any street the council's travel map closes. An OHV that does not meet them must be trailered to a staging area. Section 6-7-3(E) still limits a designated street to trips to and from riding areas, and no more than 2 miles may be on a state highway. Mesquite City Code 6-7, Ordinance 415 of 9 December 2008, effective 1 January 2009, amended by Ordinance 506 of 25 October 2016 and Ordinance B22-006 of 2022, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

Every unpaved county road is open to OHVs unless the county has posted signs closing it (14.65.055). Paved county roads are open only where they appear on the county's list of designated roads, which is kept with the County Clerk and Public Works and changed by commission resolution. On those roads OHVs may travel only to and from riding areas and no more than 2 miles (14.65.030 and 14.65.040). The list itself is not published in the code and was not read. Large all-terrain vehicles keep their NRS 490.105 right to general and minor county roads, which 14.65.040 leaves in place. Clark County Code 14.65, Ordinance No. 4274 of 17 February 2015, definitions amended by Ordinance No. 5241 of 6 May 2025, code codified through Ordinance No. 5387 of 3 June 2026, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened and Interstate 15 is closed. Mesquite's code says its OHV chapter does not allow OHVs on Interstate 15. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in the county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Clark County Code 14.65.060: all Nevada and Clark County traffic laws on a designated paved roadClark County Code 14.65.060: the unpaved shoulder where one exists, otherwise the outer edge of the roadClark County Code 14.65.060: a helmet for every operator and passengerClark County Code 14.65.060: a valid driver's licenceClark County Code 14.65.060: no more occupants than the vehicle was designed forClark County Code 14.65.060: a headlamp and tail lamp seen at 500 feet, a red rear reflector, a stop lamp and a working muffler, the lamps not needed by day on a designated roadClark County Code 14.65.040: on a designated paved road only to travel to or from a riding area and no more than 2 milesMesquite City Code 6-7-3: an operator 16 or older with a licence, liability insurance and registration, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts where fitted and eye protection

Douglas County Roads open

Douglas County passes no OHV route act, so state law opens its unpaved county roads to registered OHVs and its general and minor county roads to registered and insured large all-terrain vehicles, posted recreation trails are closed to every motor vehicle and state highways are crossing only.

In town Closed

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

No county act opens or closes a road to OHVs, so state law governs. NRS 490.090(3) lets a registered OHV use any public land, trail, way or unpaved county road unless the county prohibits it, and NRS 490.105 lets a large all-terrain vehicle registered under NRS 490.0825 with insurance and the lamps of NRS 490.120 use every general and minor county road unless the county closes it by ordinance or resolution. Paved main county roads stay closed except to cross. Title 10 was read in full. Chapter 10.24 closes posted recreation trails to every motor vehicle. NRS 490.090 and 490.105, no county act opening or closing roads to OHVs, Douglas County Code Title 10, Municode version of 21 September 2026, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Elko County Roads open

Elko County opens every road and unincorporated town street it maintains to registered OHVs at 25 mph or less and slower in its small towns, while Elko, Carlin, Wells and West Wendover allow OHVs only on routes their councils name and state highways are crossing only.

In town Some

Some Elko. OHVs may run only on streets and trails the council designates by resolution as OHV routes or trail connectors, for trips to riding areas, no more than 2 miles on a highway. The route resolution was not read. Elko City Code 7-6, Ordinance 844 of 8 October 2019, read 28 October 2026
Some Carlin. OHVs may run only on streets the council opens by resolution on its off highway travel map, at 15 mph from sunrise to sunset and no more than 2 miles on a state highway. The map resolution was not read. Carlin City Code 8-5, Ordinance 246 of 26 September 2018, effective 4 October 2018, read 28 October 2026
Some Wells. OHVs may run only on streets, roads and trails the council designates by ordinance or resolution, at 25 mph or less. The designating resolution was not read. Wells City Code 8-24, Ordinance 213 of 12 November 2008, read 28 October 2026
Some West Wendover. OHVs may run only on highways and trails the council designates by resolution as OHV routes or trail connectors, no more than 2 miles on a highway. The route resolution was not read. West Wendover City Code 5-2, Ordinance 2024-03 of 20 August 2024, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

Every way, trail, street, road and highway Elko County recognises or maintains, unincorporated town streets included, at 25 mph or less unless posted lower. The limit is 15 mph in Jarbidge, Jackpot, Lamoille, Midas, Montello, Tuscarora, Contact, Mountain City and recorded subdivisions, within 500 feet of a home and on designated exit and entry routes. Homeowner associations and town boards may restrict OHVs further. A large all-terrain vehicle registered under NRS 490.0825 and equipped under NRS 490.120 may travel the posted speed. The commission is to adopt route maps by resolution, which were not read. Elko County Code 8-2, Ordinance 2014-09 of 5 June 2014, effective 19 June 2014, code current through Ordinance 2024-04 of 7 August 2024, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. Elko County Code 8-2-4(E) says the county will seek NDOT permission to add state highway stretches to its routes, and none was found. Its 8-2-3(A)(1) reads NRS 490.110(d) as letting a registered large all-terrain vehicle travel state highways at the posted speed, a reading NRS 490.105 does not state. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Elko County Code 8-2-2: every requirement of NRS 490.090 through 490.130Elko County Code 8-2-3: 25 mph on county highways and 15 mph in the named towns, subdivisions, near homes and on designated routesElko County Code 8-2-3: no more occupants than the maker designed forElko County Code 8-2-3: sunrise to sunset unless in rural nonresidential areas, with legal lighting after darkElko County Code 8-2-3: headlamps and tail lamps on whenever on pavement, a six foot whip recommendedElko County Code 8-2-4: the outer edge of streets and roads and never a sidewalkElko 7-6-2, Carlin 8-5-2 and West Wendover 5-2-2: an operator 16 or older with a valid licence and the OHV registration attachedElko 7-6-3 and West Wendover 5-2-3: a helmet for the operator and every occupantWells 8-24-2 and 8-24-4: an operator 16 or older with a licence or a maker's safety certificate, motor vehicle insurance and 25 mph in town

Esmeralda County To confirm

Esmeralda County publishes no code online, so only state law is known, which lets registered OHVs use unpaved county roads unless the county closes them and keeps state highways crossing only.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

State law opens unpaved county roads to registered OHVs unless the county prohibits it, NRS 490.090(3), and general and minor county roads to registered and insured large all-terrain vehicles unless closed, NRS 490.105. The county publishes no code online, so whether any county act closes or opens a road could not be checked. NRS 490.090 and 490.105. No county code or OHV ordinance was found on the county's website., read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Eureka County Roads open

Eureka County's code has no OHV act, so state law opens its unpaved county roads to registered OHVs and its general and minor county roads to registered and insured large all-terrain vehicles, and state highways are crossing only.

In town Closed

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

No county act opens or closes a road to OHVs, so state law governs. NRS 490.090(3) lets a registered OHV use any public land, trail, way or unpaved county road unless the county prohibits it, and NRS 490.105 lets a large all-terrain vehicle registered under NRS 490.0825 with insurance and the lamps of NRS 490.120 use every general and minor county road unless the county closes it by ordinance or resolution. Paved main county roads stay closed except to cross. The section index of July 2018 and Titles 1, 6, 9, 12 and 13 were searched without an OHV word. NRS 490.090 and 490.105, no county act, Eureka County Code as posted by the county, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Humboldt County Roads open

Humboldt County's code has no OHV route act, so state law opens its unpaved county roads to registered OHVs and its general and minor county roads to registered and insured large all-terrain vehicles, Winnemucca opens no street and state highways are crossing only.

In town Closed

Closed Winnemucca. No street is opened to OHVs. Title 10 covers golf carts in Chapter 10.60 and has no OHV chapter, so OHVs may only cross. Winnemucca Municipal Code Title 10, Municode version of 8 April 2026, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

No county act opens or closes a road to OHVs, so state law governs. NRS 490.090(3) lets a registered OHV use any public land, trail, way or unpaved county road unless the county prohibits it, and NRS 490.105 lets a large all-terrain vehicle registered under NRS 490.0825 with insurance and the lamps of NRS 490.120 use every general and minor county road unless the county closes it by ordinance or resolution. Paved main county roads stay closed except to cross. Chapter 10.04 counts four wheel all-terrain vehicles as motorcycles and bars only noise and dust that disturb a neighbourhood (10.04.120). NRS 490.090 and 490.105, no county route act, Humboldt County Code Title 10, current through Ordinance 05-04-26b of 4 May 2026, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Lander County Roads open

Lander County opens every road and unincorporated town street it maintains, Battle Mountain and Austin included, to registered OHVs at 25 mph or less and 15 mph in town, and state highways are crossing only.

In town Open

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

Every way, trail, street, road and highway Lander County recognises or maintains, unincorporated town streets included, at 25 mph or less unless posted lower, 15 mph in Battle Mountain, Austin, Gilman Springs, Kingston and recorded subdivisions, near homes and on designated exit and entry routes. A large all-terrain vehicle registered under NRS 490.0825 and equipped under NRS 490.120 may travel the posted speed. The commission is to adopt route maps by resolution, which were not read. Lander County Code 10.10, Ordinance No. 2022-01 of 12 May 2022, Municode version of 11 July 2025, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. Lander County Code 10.10.050(E) says the county will seek NDOT permission to add state highway stretches to its routes, and none was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Lander County Code 10.10.030: every requirement of NRS 490.090 through 490.130Lander County Code 10.10.030: an operator under 16 under the direct visual supervision of a person 18 or older on a designated highwayLander County Code 10.10.040: 25 mph on county highways and 15 mph in the named towns, subdivisions, near homes and on designated routesLander County Code 10.10.040: sunrise to sunset unless in rural nonresidential areas, with legal lighting after darkLander County Code 10.10.040: headlamps and tail lamps on whenever on pavement and no more occupants than designedLander County Code 10.10.050: the outer edge of streets and roads and never a sidewalk

Lincoln County Roads open

Lincoln County opens its roads inside Alamo, Panaca and Pioche for trips to riding areas and state law opens its unpaved county roads elsewhere, Caliente opened its streets by a 2006 ordinance whose text is not posted and the county code's state highway stretches conflict with a sheriff's page that says they are crossing only.

In town Open

Open Caliente. The city's ordinance list says Ordinance 2006-1 created section 5.2050 to establish the lawful operation of OHVs upon the streets, alleys and roads of the city. The ordinance text is not posted and the 1997 code chapters the city posts do not carry it, so the routes and conditions were not read. No later ordinance on the list amends or repeals it. Ordinance 2006-1 (No. 155), adopted 16 March 2006, as described in the city's list of ordinances as of 29 August 2024, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

Inside the unincorporated towns of Alamo, Panaca and Pioche every county highway and road is open to OHVs for trips to and from riding areas only (8-6-2). Outside those towns no county act opens or closes a road, so state law governs. Registered OHVs may use unpaved county roads unless closed, and registered and insured large all-terrain vehicles may use general and minor county roads. Lincoln County Code 8-6, Ordinance 2006-04 of 7 August 2006, code current through Ordinance 2023-04 of 16 October 2023 with nothing pending, and NRS 490.090 and 490.105, read 28 October 2026

State highways To confirm

The county code designates US 93 from the northern to the southern town limits of Alamo, US 93 from the Airport Road intersection to SR 319 in Panaca, SR 319 from US 93 to the eastern Panaca town limits, SR 321 from SR 322 to the northern Pioche town limits and SR 322 from SR 321 to the eastern Pioche town limits. No NDOT approval was found, and the sheriff's office OHV page says driving on US 93 and SR 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322 and 375 is prohibited and that OHVs may only cross them. Lincoln County Code 8-6-3, Ordinance 2006-04 of 7 August 2006, against the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office OHV General Requirements page, read 28 October 2026

Lincoln County Code 8-6-1: every OHV law in NRS chapter 490Lincoln County Code 8-6-2: designated roads only for travel to or from a riding areaLincoln County Code 8-6-4: an operator under 16 supervised by a person 18 or older on a designated highway

Lyon County Roads open

Lyon County passes no OHV act, so state law opens its unpaved county roads to registered OHVs and its general and minor county roads to registered and insured large all-terrain vehicles, while Fernley and Yerington open no street and state highways are crossing only.

In town Closed

Closed Fernley. No street is opened to OHVs. Title 30 was read in full and never mentions OHVs, so OHVs may only cross. Fernley Municipal Code Title 30, Municode version of 27 July 2026, read 28 October 2026
Closed Yerington. No street is opened to OHVs. Title 6 has no OHV chapter and Chapters 1, 4, 9, 10 and 13 were searched in full without an OHV word, so OHVs may only cross. Yerington City Code Title 6, current through Ordinance 2023-08 of 11 December 2023 and Resolution 2024-01, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

No county act opens or closes a road to OHVs, so state law governs. NRS 490.090(3) lets a registered OHV use any public land, trail, way or unpaved county road unless the county prohibits it, and NRS 490.105 lets a large all-terrain vehicle registered under NRS 490.0825 with insurance and the lamps of NRS 490.120 use every general and minor county road unless the county closes it by ordinance or resolution. Paved main county roads stay closed except to cross. Titles 7, 8 and 9 of the county code were searched in full without an OHV word and no ordinance is pending codification. NRS 490.090 and 490.105, no county act, Lyon County Code current through Ordinance 647 of 20 August 2026, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Mineral County Roads open

Mineral County opens its unpaved county roads posted 35 mph or less to OHVs and its paved county roads only for trips to riding areas, never for errands in town, and state highways are crossing only.

In town Some

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

Unpaved county roads posted 35 mph or less in the unincorporated county are open to OHVs (10.06.030(B)). Paved county roads are open only for driving to riding areas (10.06.030(A)). Mineral County Code 10.06, Ordinance 237A of 2016, code current through Ordinance 282A of 6 May 2026, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Mineral County Code 10.06.040: state and county OHV lawMineral County Code 10.06.040: a licensed driver, or a driver under 16 accompanied by a licensed adult 18 or older and under visual supervision on county roadsMineral County Code 10.06.030: paved county roads only to reach riding areas, not for general transportation within the townships

Nye County Roads open

Nye County opens every paved county road in its unincorporated areas for trips to riding areas and every unpaved county road unless closed, and state highways are crossing only.

In town Some

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

Every paved county highway in the unincorporated county is open to OHVs for trips to and from riding areas (10.10.070), and every unpaved county highway, public land, trail and way is open unless closed (10.10.090). Nye County Code 10.10, Ordinance 481 of 2014, as published on municipalcodeonline, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Nye County Code 10.10.100: NRS chapter 490 adopted by referenceNye County Code 10.10.110: all Nye County and Nevada traffic laws on a paved highwayNye County Code 10.10.120: an operator under 16 under the direct visual supervision of a person 18 or older on a designated paved road

Pershing County Roads open

Pershing County opens its unpaved county roads posted 35 mph or less to OHVs with a licensed driver 16 or older carrying registration and insurance, Lovelock opens no street and state highways are crossing only.

In town Closed

Closed Lovelock. No street is opened to OHVs. The traffic chapter, Chapter 15, every other posted chapter and the city's ordinance list were searched without an OHV word, so OHVs may only cross. Lovelock Municipal Code as posted by the city, Chapter 15 and the ordinance list, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

All unpaved county highways posted 35 mph or less in the unincorporated county, for OHVs reaching a riding area (10.32.050). Large all-terrain vehicles keep their NRS 490.105 right to general and minor county roads. Pershing County Code 10.32, Ordinance 301 of 2013, code current through Ordinance 354 of 3 January 2023, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. 10.32.050 designates for OHVs any state highway NDOT designates now or later, and none was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Pershing County Code 10.32.040: NRS 490.090 through 490.130 and NAC chapter 490Pershing County Code 10.32.050: a driver 16 or older with a valid driver's licence on a public roadPershing County Code 10.32.050: proof of registration and vehicle insurance on a public roadPershing County Code 10.32.050: all Nevada and Pershing County traffic laws on a designated paved highway

Storey County Roads open

Storey County passes no OHV route act, so state law opens its unpaved county roads to registered OHVs and its general and minor county roads to registered and insured large all-terrain vehicles, one protected cultural site is closed to every motor vehicle and state highways are crossing only.

In town Closed

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

No county act opens or closes a road to OHVs, so state law governs. NRS 490.090(3) lets a registered OHV use any public land, trail, way or unpaved county road unless the county prohibits it, and NRS 490.105 lets a large all-terrain vehicle registered under NRS 490.0825 with insurance and the lamps of NRS 490.120 use every general and minor county road unless the county closes it by ordinance or resolution. Paved main county roads stay closed except to cross. Chapter 10.26 closes one protected cultural site, and any area the commission names by resolution, to every motor vehicle. NRS 490.090 and 490.105, no county route act, Storey County Code Title 10, Municode version of 14 October 2026, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. No NDOT approval of any OHV segment in this county was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

NRS 490.082: Nevada OHV registration and decal unless exempt, for example a vehicle used only for husbandry or kept on private landNRS 490.0825 and 490.105: for general and minor county roads, large all-terrain vehicle registration with insurance meeting NRS 485.185NRS 490.110: a valid driver's licence on any highwayNRS 490.120: a headlamp and tail lamp seen at 500 feet, a red rear reflector, a stop lamp and a working muffler on any highwayNRS 490.130: all traffic laws, the registration displayed and a helmet on any highwayStorey County Code 10.26.010: no motor vehicle, ATV, car or truck in the closed site or any area closed by resolution

Washoe County Roads open

Washoe County opens every county road posted 35 mph or less outside Reno and Sparks for trips to riding areas, Reno and Sparks open no street and state highways are crossing only.

In town Closed

Closed Reno. No street is opened to OHVs. Title 6 has no OHV chapter and Title 8 touches motorized vehicles only in parks. In a city of 100,000 or more NRS 490.110 keeps OHVs off every highway the city has not designated. Reno Administrative Code Titles 6 and 8, codified through Ordinance No. 6740, adopted 6 May 2026, read 28 October 2026
Closed Sparks. No street is opened to OHVs. Title 10 has no OHV chapter. In a city of 100,000 or more NRS 490.110 keeps OHVs off every highway the city has not designated. Sparks Municipal Code Title 10, Municode version of 30 September 2026, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

All county highways posted 35 mph or less in the unincorporated county, for OHVs reaching a riding area (70.3862). The county's OHV definition names utility terrain vehicles (70.074). Unpaved county roads are also open under NRS 490.090(3) unless closed. Washoe County Code 70.074, 70.3861 and 70.3862, Ordinance No. 1507 (Bill No. 1689), passed 23 April 2013, effective 3 May 2013, code codified through Ordinance No. 1746 of 18 November 2025, read 28 October 2026

State highways Crossings only

No segment opened. 70.3862 designates for OHVs any state highway NDOT designates now or later, and none was found. NRS 490.090 and 490.100, read 28 October 2026

Washoe County Code 70.3861: NRS 490.090 through 490.130 and NAC chapter 490 adopted by referenceWashoe County Code 70.3862: designated roads only to reach a riding area and never an interstateWashoe County Code 70.3862: all Nevada and Washoe County traffic laws on designated paved highways

White Pine County Roads open

White Pine County passes no OHV act, so state law opens its unpaved county roads to registered OHVs and its general and minor county roads to registered and insured large all-terrain vehicles, while Ely opens twelve named routes to trailheads and public land for licensed, registered and insured drivers.

In town Some

Some Ely. Twelve named routes are open for trips to and from trailheads and public land only, among them Mill Street, Avenue I, Avenue H, Avenue M, 13th Street East, Avenue C and North Street, Faye Avenue, High Street, 11th Street, Courthouse Canyon Road, JV Walker and Ogden Avenue, plus less than half a mile of Highway 6 west to Pinion Road and a crossing of Highway 6 at Bobcat Drive. Use runs from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. OHVs are held to 15 mph and plated, insured UTVs to the posted limit. Ely City Code 6-12, Ordinance 714 of 14 June 2018, amended by Ordinance 718 of 7 February 2019, Ordinance 725 of 13 February 2020 and Ordinance 758 of 25 July 2024, effective 22 August 2024, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

No county act opens or closes a road to OHVs, so state law governs. NRS 490.090(3) lets a registered OHV use any public land, trail, way or unpaved county road unless the county prohibits it, and NRS 490.105 lets a large all-terrain vehicle registered under NRS 490.0825 with insurance and the lamps of NRS 490.120 use every general and minor county road unless the county closes it by ordinance or resolution. Paved main county roads stay closed except to cross. Titles 7, 10 and 11 of the county code carry no OHV rule. Chapter 11.56 covers only neighborhood vehicles with a top speed under 20 mph and nothing is pending codification. NRS 490.090 and 490.105, no county act, White Pine County Code current through Ordinance 549 of 9 July 2025, read 28 October 2026

State highways To confirm

Ely's code names less than half a mile of Highway 6 west to Pinion Road as part of one route and a crossing of Highway 6 at Bobcat Drive. No NDOT approval of the Highway 6 stretch was found. Ely City Code 6-12-2, Ordinance 714 of 14 June 2018 as amended through Ordinance 725 of 13 February 2020, read 28 October 2026

NRS 490.082: Nevada OHV registration and decal unless exempt, for example a vehicle used only for husbandry or kept on private landNRS 490.0825 and 490.105: for general and minor county roads, large all-terrain vehicle registration with insurance meeting NRS 485.185NRS 490.110: a valid driver's licence on any highwayNRS 490.120: a headlamp and tail lamp seen at 500 feet, a red rear reflector, a stop lamp and a working muffler on any highwayNRS 490.130: all traffic laws, the registration displayed and a helmet on any highwayEly City Code 6-12-5: a driver's licence for the vehicle type, registration attached, liability insurance meeting NRS 485.185 and a helmetEly City Code 6-12-5: city streets only from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset and only to reach trailheads and public landEly City Code 6-12-5: 15 mph for OHVs, the posted limit for plated and insured UTVs

Engines and EPA

Why the engine decides which truck comes in.

The same three facts hold in Nevada and every other state.

The 25 year truck

It comes in on age

A 25 year old kei truck in original configuration clears both agencies on age. No Registered Importer and no Independent Commercial Importer is needed.

EPA's provision asks only that the truck is in its original configuration with the same model of engine it left the factory with.

40 CFR 85.1511(f)(2)eCFR, read 28 October 2026

The newer truck

EPA asks for a certified engine

A newer kei truck comes in as nonroad equipment, permanently modified so its top speed is 25 mph or less, with its engine covered by an EPA certificate of conformity before it reaches US Customs. The governor stays for the life of the truck, and removing it is tampering, a federal offense.

Mini-trucks, importing used motor vehicles as nonroad vehiclesEPA, read 28 October 2026

Engine size

Why 30 kilowatts decides a newer truck's engine

EPA sorts nonroad gasoline engines by maximum power, not size. Every kei engine is under 1,000 cc, so an engine of 30 kW or less may certify to the small engine standards, and 30 kW is the line that decides. Today's stock kei engines are rated above it, and a speed governor does not lower an engine's maximum power.

Every kei engine family EPA has certified for mini trucks is a lower power certified configuration, between 14.46 and 29.9 kW, under part 90 or part 1054. A certified mini truck engine is that configuration, not the stock engine.

40 CFR 1054.1, the small engine ruleseCFR, read 28 October 2026 Small nonroad spark ignition engine certificatesEPA, read 28 October 2026

Nevada, the five answers

Road, title, land, inspection and what is next.

Some of Nevada's answers rest on a general rule or a page that would not open, so they are marked to confirm. We confirm them with the office before a truck goes there.

The roadCan I drive it on the road?

Nevada has no kei truck law. The DMV's title guide lists the documents to register and title a gray market vehicle with a Non-US Vehicle brand, while DMV compliance staff told a state advisory committee in April 2025 that kei vehicles should not be registered.

A gray market vehicle is titled on its foreign ownership papers, a VP-15 inspection, the HS-7, an EPA form and the CBP 7501, and its Nevada title is branded Non-US Vehicle.
No provision of NRS or NAC chapter 482 asks a vehicle to meet federal safety standards before registration.
The guide's brand list also includes Not Street Legal, a motor vehicle that cannot legally be operated on state or local roads or highways.
A 2025 bill to create an Antique Kei Vehicle plate, limited to club events, exhibitions, tours and parades, failed at a legislative deadline.
Chapter 490 lets a large all-terrain vehicle with seating for two abreast run on general and minor county roads when registered and insured, unless a city or county prohibits it. Chapter 490 has no mini truck or kei language.

Nevada DMV Registration and Title Guide, section 4 (April 2025); NRS and NAC chapter 482; NRS chapter 490

The road ruledmv.nv.gov, read 28 October 2026

Read from a secondary source or an older page. Confirm it with the office before you rely on it.

TitleHow do I title and register it?

Nevada titles a gray market vehicle, one built for sale outside the United States, on its federal entry papers and brands the title Non-US Vehicle.

The steps

Have the VIN inspected on form VP-15 at a full service DMV office or by an authorized inspector.
Gather the foreign ownership document and every bill of sale in the chain.
Bring the federal entry papers and apply for title and registration.

The documents

Foreign certificate of origin, foreign title or a manufacturer statement, with bills of sale for a complete chain of ownership
Vehicle Inspection Certificate, form VP-15
DOT form HS-7
EPA form 3520-21 as the guide lists it
CBP form 7501
Odometer disclosure where required
Statement of Facts, form VP-22, if there is no certificate of origin or title

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Title Section, 702 486 4368

Title and registrationdmv.nv.gov, read 28 October 2026

Read from a secondary source or an older page. Confirm it with the office before you rely on it.

LandCan I use it on a farm or private land?

Nevada registers off-highway vehicles through the DMV. A vehicle operated or stored on private land or used for husbandry needs no OHV registration.

Class. Off-highway vehicle under NRS 490.060: a motor vehicle designed primarily for off-highway and all-terrain use, including any motor vehicle used on public lands for recreation, but not one registered under chapter 482.

Registration. OHV registration and decal for public land use. None for vehicles operated or stored on private land or leased public land or used for husbandry.

Off road useleg.state.nv.us, read 28 October 2026

On the farm

A vehicle used for husbandry on private land or on leased or permitted public land is exempt from OHV registration under NRS 490.082.

Farm useleg.state.nv.us, read 28 October 2026

InspectionWhat inspection or insurance applies?

Safety. A VIN inspection on form VP-15 is required before first Nevada title.

Emissions. Nevada runs emissions testing in the urban parts of Clark and Washoe counties, NAC 445B.593 and 445B.594. The failed 2025 kei plate bill, AB 525, would have exempted a kei vehicle on its special plate that was not used for general transportation and was driven 5,000 miles or less in the year.

Inspectiondmv.nv.gov, read 28 October 2026

Read from a secondary source or an older page. Confirm it with the office before you rely on it.

Insurance. A large all-terrain vehicle registered for county roads must carry insurance meeting NRS 485.185, the standard for every Nevada motor vehicle.

Insuranceleg.state.nv.us, read 28 October 2026

NextWhat is coming?

No bill or rule change for kei trucks was found in Nevada on 28 October 2026. We read it again before a truck goes there.

Questions

Asked about Nevada.

Can I drive a kei truck on Nevada roads?

Nevada law does not name kei trucks. The DMV's guide titles and registers gray market vehicles with a Non-US Vehicle brand, and DMV compliance staff told a state committee in 2025 that kei vehicles should not be registered. The Vehicle Title Section decides each application. A 2025 bill for an Antique Kei Vehicle plate did not pass.

Who decides?

The Nevada DMV's Vehicle Title Section, 702 486 4368.

Do I need OHV registration on my ranch?

No. Nevada exempts vehicles used for husbandry on private land or on leased or permitted public land. It also exempts vehicles operated or stored on private land.

What about a truck 25 years or older?

What about a newer truck imported as off-road equipment?

Upgrades

Upgrades in Nevada.

Height and lift. Ground clearance to the lowest part of the body is limited to 28 inches for a truck rated 4,500 pounds or less (NRS 484D.610(1)(a)). Added or altered parts are left out of the measurement (484D.610(2)). Headlamps must sit 24 to 54 inches high (484D.110(2)).

Tires and fenders. Mudguards are required only on trucks rated 26,000 pounds or more (NRS 484D.420). Tire rules set a minimum tread depth and bar recut or regrooved tires, with the figure in the rules (484D.505). No tire size cap or trimming rule found.

Lights. At most two each of spot lamps, auxiliary driving lamps at 16 to 42 inches, auxiliary passing lamps at 24 to 42 and fog lamps at 12 to 30 (NRS 484D.180). No statute read lets a private plow truck carry flashing amber lights (484D.190).

Modification and inspection. A reconstructed vehicle is one built largely from essential parts of other vehicles or materially altered by removing or adding essential parts (NRS 482.100). A rebuilt, reconstructed or specially constructed vehicle must be inspected before a title application with a safety affidavit (482.223).

From the upgrades chapter of Mini Truck Roadbook, the 2026 to 2027 edition, with the statute after each rule.

Getting it there

Where Nevada's truck comes ashore.

From the nearest port where a sailing from Japan is on record. Road miles are an estimate, the straight line times 1.2, not a routed drive.

Nearest port with a sailing from Japan on record

Port of Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the California door. Three container services sail from Kobe, Nagoya, Tokyo and Yokohama to San Pedro, and from there I-10 runs east to Phoenix and Texas, I-15 climbs north to Las Vegas and Utah and I-40 leaves Barstow for the middle of the country.

The road. I-10 to Fontana, California, then I-15 into Nevada, read from the federal route log, not a routed drive.

about 300 road miles, straight line times 1.2

Sources

Every source read, 28 October 2026

The public record of Nevada as read on 28 October 2026, not legal advice. Every kei truck pays the 25 percent truck duty, the chicken tax, whatever its age.

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Mountain West

Neighbouring states.

All states

ArizonaOpen to road use ColoradoRoad use opens later IdahoRoad use with limits MontanaOpen to road use New MexicoRoad use unclear UtahRoad use with limits WyomingRoad use with limits

Areas in Nevada

Carlin Trend and northern Nevada