Mini trucks in New Jersey, at work on the farm and the nursery
Read from New Jersey's own statutes and motor vehicle office.
A truck 25 years or older imported for road use is titled in New Jersey only if the MVC's Special Title Unit accepts its papers, as the state has no rule written for kei trucks. A newer truck imported as off road equipment and governed to 25 miles per hour is a private land truck, since New Jersey's off road registration covers only machines made for off-road use only. Both haul feed, flats and tools across farms, nurseries and orchards.
Your lane
Which truck are you buying?
New Jersey 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 is titled in New Jersey only if the MVC's Special Title Unit accepts its foreign papers.
Road use unclearTitle. Titled only through the central MVC office, the Special Title Unit in Trenton.
Registration. Any MVC agency once a New Jersey title is issued.
- Model year 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles are emissions inspected every two years once five model years old
- Historic plates for vehicles at least 25 years old and unmodified are exempt from inspection
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?
Only the MVC's Special Title Unit can title a vehicle from abroad, and it decides on the papers. State law does not name kei trucks either way, so we do not promise road use before the MVC decides.
A newer truck imported as off road equipment, governed to 25 miles per hour with an EPA certified nonroad engine, is outside New Jersey's ATV class and is a private land truck.
Private land onlyWhere it can run
Private land with the owner's permission. Not on public lands, waters or roads.
Title. None found. New Jersey's off road registration covers ATVs, snowmobiles and dirt bikes.
Registration. None. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-1, as amended by P.L. 2009 c. 275, defines an ATV as a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for off-road use only, with between three and six non-highway tires (P.L.2015, c.155). The 600 cc engine limit of 2009 is gone. A kei truck was not made for off-road use only, so ATV registration does not reach it. The registration duty applies to operation on public highways, lands or waters.
- The ATV rules in P.L. 2009 c. 275 on operator age, helmets, lights and insurance do not reach a vehicle outside the ATV definition
- No speed rule is set for off road vehicles
Read from a secondary source or an older page. Confirm it with the office before you rely on it.
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 governed to 25 miles per hour?
It is a private land truck. New Jersey's ATV registration covers only machines made for off-road use only, which a kei truck is not, so there is no off road registration for it and it stays off public lands, waters and roads.
Private land and the farm
On your own ground in New Jersey.
On private land
No plate is needed on private land. New Jersey asks for registration only before a vehicle is used on the public highways, and none of the ATV rules reach a kei truck. Liability cover is the one thing the code may still ask of it.
The code, section by section
- N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: every resident shall, before using the vehicle on the public highways, register it. A person may not park or stand an unregistered vehicle on a public highway.
- N.J.S.A. 39:1-1: a highway is the entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part of it is open to the public for vehicular travel. A farm lane or a private yard is not one.
- N.J.S.A. 39:1-1: a motor vehicle includes all vehicles propelled otherwise than by muscular power, apart from rail vehicles, low-speed electric bicycles and scooters and motorized bicycles. A kei truck is one wherever it runs.
- N.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): every owner or registered owner of a motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New Jersey shall maintain liability insurance at the statute's minimum limits. Nothing read says whether a truck kept only on a farm is excused.
- N.J.S.A. 39:3C-18 and 39:3C-19(e) make an ATV, snowmobile or dirt bike rider get the landowner's consent. A kei truck is not one of the three, so ordinary trespass law governs someone else's land.
On the farm
To confirmA vehicle used only as farm machinery that cannot pass 35 mph needs no registration under N.J.S.A. 39:3-24 and carries a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway. Whether the MVC treats a governed kei truck as farm machinery was not found.
No MVC page, rule or decision applying 39:3-24 to a kei truck or mini truck was found. The MVC's farm page says registration is required for vehicles with a 35 mph threshold speed capacity, which reads the exemption the same way, but it names no vehicle type. A pickup used in farming registers as a farm truck under 39:3-25, which needs a title, so the line between a farm truck and farm machinery is the MVC's to draw.
The code, section by section
- N.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c): motor vehicles, not for hire, which are used exclusively as farm tractors, traction equipment, farm machinery or farm implements which cannot be operated at a speed in excess of 35 miles per hour shall not be required to be registered under this section.
- N.J.S.A. 39:3-24(d): any motor vehicle, not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement shall display a slow moving vehicle emblem when operated on the roadways of the State. The MVC describes it as a red and fluorescent orange triangle at least 16 inches wide and 14 inches high, centred on the rear two to six feet above the ground.
- N.J.S.A. 39:3-24(b) and (c): a faster farm vehicle registered under the section may travel from one farm to another owned or managed by its owner, at least 50 miles by rule. It may not run between sunset and sunrise except with proper safety lighting in the three hours after sunset and the three hours before sunrise.
- N.J.S.A. 39:1-1: a farm tractor is a motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows, mowing machines and other implements of husbandry. A kei truck is not designed to draw implements, so it is not a farm tractor.
- N.J.S.A. 39:3C-6(a): an ATV, snowmobile or dirt bike solely operated for use on a farm is exempt from ATV registration. It does not reach a kei truck, which is not an ATV.
Buying from out of state
What New Jersey says about a seller from elsewhere.
If you buy from a seller in another state, New Jersey's rule below says what applies.
New Jersey's rule, as read
A licensee or authorized signatory must be present at the dealership at all posted hours, 13:21-15.4(c). Conducting "negotiations or sales activity in other than a licensed location over the internet or otherwise" is a ground to reject, suspend or revoke, 13:21-15.5. Remote retail selling outside a licensed New Jersey location is treated as a violation for licensees. Out of state dealers are not addressed.
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Business Licensing Servicesnj.gov, read 28 October 2026The public record as read on 28 October 2026, not legal advice.
Who decides here
Ask the office that decides.
New Jersey'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
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, 225 East State Street, Trenton
MVC, Foreign Vehicles: "You must submit your request to the central MVC office to obtain a title on a foreign vehicle. Local MVC Agencies cannot issue this type of transfer. To make sure you have all the required paperwork, please call 609-341-5718." And: "Before you can register a foreign vehicle, you have to get it titled in New Jersey." No statute or rule names kei or mini trucks.The office pagenj.gov, read 28 October 2026
County by county
The rules in detail.
Where a newer off road truck or a UTV can run in New Jersey, county by county, as each county's and town's own acts read. Open a county for its towns, roads and sources, or go to its own page.
Statewide
A governed kei truck is not an all-terrain vehicle in New Jersey, and the ATV class would give it no road if it were. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-1 makes an ATV a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for off-road use only on three to six non-highway tires, and a kei truck was built for Japanese roads. Even a registered ATV is kept off every public street and highway and its right of way by 39:3C-17, crossing only straight over after a full stop and never a limited access highway, and the statute gives no county or town a way to open a road. Public land is shut as well. 39:3C-32 counts any vehicle capable of leaving improved roads as an off-road vehicle, and the State Park Service and the wildlife management areas admit none except at a permitted special event (N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c), as the Attorney General's guidance of 22 May 2023 quotes them). What remains is private land, and there a kei truck needs no plate, because 39:3-4 asks for registration only before a vehicle is used on the public highways. The compulsory liability statute, 39:6B-1(a), reaches every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New Jersey, and nothing read says it excuses a truck that never leaves the farm, so carry liability cover. On a farm, 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement that cannot go faster than 35 mph, and asks for a slow moving vehicle emblem when it is on a roadway. A truck governed to 25 mph meets the speed test, but whether the Motor Vehicle Commission counts a kei truck as farm machinery rather than a truck was not found. A 25 year truck is a separate question. Only the MVC's Special Title Unit in Trenton titles a vehicle from abroad, no statute or MVC page names kei trucks either way, and if the unit titles one and an agency registers it, the truck is an ordinary road vehicle and none of this layer applies to it.
Atlantic CountyTo confirmIn Atlantic County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageBergen CountyTo confirmIn Bergen County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageBurlington CountyTo confirmIn Burlington County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageCamden CountyTo confirmIn Camden County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageCape May CountyTo confirmIn Cape May County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way. A state off-road vehicle park opened at Woodbine in January 2013 and a 2016 news report says it closed for lack of riders.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageCumberland CountyTo confirmIn Cumberland County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageEssex CountyTo confirmIn Essex County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageGloucester CountyTo confirmIn Gloucester County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageHudson CountyTo confirmIn Hudson County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageHunterdon CountyTo confirmIn Hunterdon County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageMercer CountyTo confirmIn Mercer County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageMiddlesex CountyTo confirmIn Middlesex County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageMonmouth CountyTo confirmIn Monmouth County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageMorris CountyTo confirmIn Morris County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageOcean CountyTo confirmIn Ocean County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pagePassaic CountyTo confirmIn Passaic County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way. Ringwood and Wawayanda State Parks keep trails for snowmobiles alone.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageSalem CountyTo confirmIn Salem County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageSomerset CountyTo confirmIn Somerset County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageSussex CountyTo confirmIn Sussex County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way. High Point and Wawayanda State Parks and Stokes State Forest keep trails for snowmobiles alone.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageUnion CountyTo confirmIn Union County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageWarren CountyTo confirmIn Warren County a kei truck may work a farm, a nursery or other private land without a plate, but unless the MVC titles it for the road every public street, county road and state highway is closed to it, and state park and forest land is closed either way. Worthington State Forest keeps trails for snowmobiles alone.
In town Closed
No town street opening was found in the codes read.
County roads Closed
No county road is open to off-road vehicles. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17(b) keeps even a registered ATV off every public street and highway and its right of way, allowing only a crossing straight over after a full stop, and names no county power to open a road. A kei truck without a road registration may not use a county road at all under 39:3-4. One farm path is unconfirmed. 39:3-24 frees from registration a vehicle not for hire used exclusively as farm machinery that cannot exceed 35 mph, with a slow moving vehicle emblem on the roadway, and whether the MVC counts a kei truck as farm machinery was not found. N.J.S.A. 39:3C-17, 39:3-4 and 39:3-24, read in the Legislature's statute database on 28 October 2026. The county's own park and land rules were not read., read 28 October 2026
State highways Closed
Closed to OHVs.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-4: registration before using a vehicle on the public highways, none for private landN.J.S.A. 39:6B-1(a): liability insurance for every motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New JerseyN.J.S.A. 39:3-24(c) and (d), the farm path, unconfirmed for a kei truck: not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or a farm implement, unable to exceed 35 mph and showing a slow moving vehicle emblem on any roadwayN.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d) and 7:25-2.2(c): no off-road vehicle on State Park Service land or a wildlife management area without a special event permit or written authorization
Its pageEngines and EPA
Why the engine decides which truck comes in.
The same three facts hold in New Jersey 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 2026The 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 2026Engine 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 2026Small nonroad spark ignition engine certificatesEPA, read 28 October 2026New Jersey, the five answers
Road, title, land, inspection and what is next.
Some of New Jersey'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?
New Jersey law and the Motor Vehicle Commission say nothing about kei trucks. A vehicle from abroad is titled only by the MVC's Special Title Unit in Trenton, which tells callers what papers each vehicle needs, so that unit decides a kei truck.
- MVC, Foreign Vehicles: you must submit your request to the central MVC office to obtain a title on a foreign vehicle. Local MVC Agencies cannot issue this type of transfer
- Before you can register a foreign vehicle, you have to get it titled in New Jersey. Once titled, any MVC Agency registers it
- The MVC publishes no document list for a foreign vehicle and asks callers to phone the Special Title Unit
- No New Jersey statute, regulation or MVC page names kei trucks or mini trucks or conditions a title on a federal certification label, as searched on 28 October 2026
- No speed or road type limit specific to kei trucks exists in New Jersey law
None specific. MVC foreign vehicle titling practice
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?
A vehicle from abroad is titled only by the MVC's Special Title Unit in Trenton, and registration at any MVC agency follows the title.
The steps
- Call the MVC Special Title Unit line to confirm the paperwork for the exact truck
- Send the title request with the foreign ownership and import papers to the Special Title Unit
- Once a New Jersey title is issued, register at any MVC agency
The documents
- Japanese export certificate as the foreign title, with an English translation
- US Customs entry papers and the federal import declarations
- Bill of sale
- The chassis number
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, Trenton, 609 341 5718
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?
On farms, nurseries, orchards and private land a mini truck works without asking anything of the road.
Class. No off road class written for mini trucks was found.
Registration. No MVC off road registration path for a mini truck was confirmed.
Read from a secondary source or an older page. Confirm it with the office before you rely on it.
On the farm
Farm tractors, farm machinery and implements are exempt from inspection. No farm rule specific to mini trucks was found.
InspectionWhat inspection or insurance applies?
Safety. Historic vehicles at least 25 years old, unmodified and registered with historic plates are exempt from general inspections.
Emissions. Gasoline passenger vehicles of model year 1995 and older at 8,500 pounds or less are exempt. Model year 1996 and newer are inspected every two years once five model years old, which reaches a truck of model year 1996 to 2001.
Insurance. No insurance rule specific to kei trucks was found. Ask your insurer about cover for farm and private land use.
Read from a secondary source or an older page. Confirm it with the office before you rely on it.
NextWhat is coming?
No 2025 or 2026 New Jersey bill on kei trucks or mini trucks was found.
Checked 28 October 2026
Read from a secondary source or an older page. Confirm it with the office before you rely on it.
Questions
Asked about New Jersey.
Can I register a mini truck for the road in New Jersey?
New Jersey law does not name kei trucks either way. A vehicle from abroad must first be titled by the MVC's Special Title Unit, and that office decides on the papers. We do not promise road use before it does.
What about a truck 25 years or older?
Only the MVC's Special Title Unit can title a vehicle from abroad, and it decides on the papers. State law does not name kei trucks either way, so we do not promise road use before the MVC decides.
What about a newer truck governed to 25 miles per hour?
It is a private land truck. New Jersey's ATV registration covers only machines made for off-road use only, which a kei truck is not, so there is no off road registration for it and it stays off public lands, waters and roads.
Does an older truck need an emissions inspection?
Gasoline vehicles of model year 1995 and older are exempt. Model year 1996 and newer are inspected every two years, and a vehicle at least 25 years old with historic plates is exempt.
Where can I use one off the road?
On farms, nurseries, orchards and other private land with the owner's permission.
Upgrades
Upgrades in New Jersey.
Height and lift. None found for an ordinary registered vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:3-42 to 3-84 section titles read) (Unsure.)
Tires and fenders. Rear wheel flaps are required on trucks over three tons registered gross weight, which a kei truck is far under (N.J.S.A. 39:3-79.1). A tire is unsafe with exposed cord, a bulge or wear indicators touching the road in two adjacent grooves (39:3-72). (Unsure.)
Lights. At most one spot lamp and two auxiliary driving lamps at 12 to 42 inches (N.J.S.A. 39:3-53 and 39:3-51). Front lamps must be white, yellow or amber unless permitted (39:3-50). No rule found letting a private plow flash amber without a permit (39:3-54). (Unsure.)
Modification and inspection. None found for an ordinary registered vehicle (N.J.S.A. Title 39 chapter 3 titles read) (Unsure.)
From the upgrades chapter of Mini Truck Roadbook, the 2026 to 2027 edition, with the statute after each rule. A rule marked (Unsure.) rests on a source the book could not read in full.
Getting it there
Where New Jersey'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.
Sources
Every source read, 28 October 2026
The public record of New Jersey as read on 28 October 2026, not legal advice. Every kei truck pays the 25 percent truck duty, the chicken tax, whatever its age.
Contact
A truck for New Jersey.
Ask about a truck, a state or the papers, and we answer with what applies to you.
Reach us
Use the form on this page. We read every message.
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