Kei trucks in Washington work farms, orchards and timberland

Your lane

Which truck are you buying?

Washington 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. DOL title on a signed and stamped US Customs entry summary showing year, make and VIN.

Registration. No Washington source names road registration for a kei truck. The DOL decides.

A vehicle imported from a foreign country must clear US Customs before registration.
The DOL may print a not eligible for road use comment on a vehicle that does not meet federal safety standards as the State Patrol adopts them. WAC 308-56A-500(16)

The rule for a 25 year truckapp.leg.wa.gov, read 28 October 2026

What about a truck 25 years or older?

The DOL titles an imported vehicle on a Customs document signed and stamped by US Customs with the year, make and VIN, the foreign ownership document and an English translation of anything not in English. Washington 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

Agricultural and timberland, private land and ORV areas and trails.

Title. An off-road vehicle title from the DOL. That title does not qualify it for road registration. RCW 46.09.320

Registration. Yearly ORV registration and decal, except on and across agricultural and timberlands owned, leased or managed by the owner, the operator or the operator's employer.

It is not a wheeled all-terrain vehicle, a class that requires low-pressure tires of 20 psi or less. RCW 46.09.310
No one under 16 operates an off-road vehicle on or across a highway or nonhighway road without the direct supervision of a licensed adult 18 or older, except in agricultural or timber production on land the owner, operator or employer holds. RCW 46.09.460
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 truckapp.leg.wa.gov, 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?

It is an off-road vehicle when used for recreation. On and across agricultural and timberland owned, leased or managed by the owner, the operator or the operator's employer it needs no ORV registration. Elsewhere it carries a yearly ORV registration and decal. It is not a wheeled all-terrain vehicle, a class that requires low-pressure tires.

Who decides here

Ask the office that decides.

Washington'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

Washington State Department of Licensing

360 902 3900

WAC 308-56A-115(5): In addition to the ownership document, the application for certificate of ownership must be accompanied by: (a) An approved Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection Entry Summary form properly executed authorizing the vehicle entry into this country. WAC 308-56A-500(16) defines not eligible for road use as a vehicle that does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards or other federal or state standards for public road use as the State Patrol adopts, applies and enforces them under RCW 46.37.005, which says federal standards adopted pursuant to this section shall be applicable only to vehicles manufactured in a model year following the adoption of such standards.

The office pagedol.wa.gov, read 28 October 2026

County by county

The rules in detail.

Where a newer off road truck or a UTV can run in Washington, 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 is not a wheeled all-terrain vehicle in Washington, so the WATV roads on this map are not its roads. RCW 46.09.310 admits a four wheeled utility vehicle as a WATV only on low-pressure tires of 20 psi or less, under 74 inches wide, under 2,000 pounds and on a wheelbase of 110 inches or less. A kei truck fits the width, the wheelbase and in most models the weight but runs on highway tires at far higher pressure, and a WATV on the road also needs a metal tag with an on-road tab and a dealer or shop declaration that it was modified for the road, RCW 46.09.442 and 46.09.457. Outside that class the truck is an off-road vehicle when used for recreation, RCW 46.04.365, and RCW 46.09.360 lets a county name a road, and a city or town of fewer than 3,000 people a street, as suitable for off-road vehicles, a power that leaves WATVs out. Okanogan, Ferry and Chelan keep such off-road vehicle roads and Asotin is reported to open its streets, though some counties write their own off-road vehicle class narrower, as Pend Oreille does. RCW 46.04 has no mini truck or kei truck definition and no 2025 or 2026 bill names one, so a 25 year kei truck is titled like any import and the Department of Licensing decides whether it registers for the road. If it does, it drives as an ordinary registered vehicle on any road and needs none of these routes.

RCW 46.09.455app.leg.wa.gov, read 28 October 2026

Adams County To confirm

No Adams County ordinance opening county roads to WATVs was found, so state law keeps them closed, and the towns' codes were not read.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Closed

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). The county code as archived in 2023 had no WATV chapter in Title 10 or Title 12, so no ordinance opening county roads was found. A later ordinance could not be ruled out.

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

RCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tabRCW 46.09.457: headlights and tail lamps lit whenever moving, a stop lamp, reflectors, turn signals in darkness, mirrors, a windshield or eye protection, a horn, working brakes, a spark arrester and muffler and seat belts on a utility type vehicleRCW 46.09.457: a safety inspection, a VIN check and a declaration completed by a licensed WATV dealer or motor vehicle repair shop in Washington

Asotin County To confirm

No Asotin County act on WATVs was found, while Clarkston has a WATV chapter and the town of Asotin is reported to open its streets to off-road vehicles, neither read.

In town Some

To confirm Clarkston. The city code carries Chapter 10.70 on wheeled all-terrain vehicles. Its text was not read.
Open Asotin. The city code is reported to designate city streets for off-road vehicle traffic and to keep every street open to ORVs unless posted closed, under the small town power of RCW 46.09.360. Chapter 10.32 was not read.

County roads To confirm

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). No county ordinance was found on the county's own site.

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Benton County Roads open

Benton County opens every county road posted 35 mph or less outside the Hanford site to WATVs with a licensed driver 18 or older and insurance, and Richland is reported to have opened its own slower streets.

In town Some

Some Richland. Ordinance No. 37-21, adopted 16 November 2021, is reported to open Richland roads posted 35 mph or less and crossings of faster roads, with named segments barred. The city's WATV page refused this reader and the code text was not read. Ordinance No. 37-21, 16 November 2021, not read, read 28 October 2026
To confirm West Richland. The city code carries Chapter 10.17 on wheeled all-terrain vehicles. Its text was not read.
To confirm Prosser. The city code carries Chapter 10.60 on wheeled all-terrain vehicles. Its text was not read.

County roads Open

Every county road posted 35 mph or less in unincorporated Benton County, except roads on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. A WATV may cross a faster county road only at a controlled intersection, starting and ending on roads posted 35 mph or less. Benton County Code Chapter 10.14, Ordinance 626 of 2020, code page dated 21 December 2020, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

BCC 10.14.040: a valid driver's licence from the state of residence and an operator 18 or olderBCC 10.14.050: a fastened motorcycle helmet for every rider unless the WATV has roll bars or an enclosed passenger compartmentBCC 10.14.050: seat belts for every rider in a utility type WATV and child restraints under RCW 46.61.687BCC 10.14.050: proof of liability insurance at the limits of RCW 46.29.090BCC 10.14.060: an individual seat for each occupant and the equipment and declaration of RCW 46.09.457BCC 10.14.100: no riding on sidewalks, shoulders, park trails, bicycle lanes or walking pathsRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tab

Chelan County Some routes

Chelan County opens a long list of named county roads to WATVs at 35 mph or less and lets other off-road vehicles use only its primitive roads, and the towns' codes were not read.

In town To confirm

To confirm Wenatchee. The city code carries Chapter 8.08 on off-road vehicles and wheeled all-terrain vehicles. Its text was not read.

County roads Some

Only the county roads and segments listed in Appendix 1 of Chapter 9.38, several hundred named roads with mileposts, among them Chiwawa River Road, Icicle Road, Chumstick Highway near Plain, Eagle Creek Road and Cedar Brae Road, at the lesser of 35 mph or the posted limit. Separately, Section 9.38.020 lets an off-road vehicle that is not a WATV use only the county roads designated primitive in Section 9.09.010(a), except Downie Road from milepost 0 to 6. The primitive road list was not read. Chelan County Code Chapter 9.38, Resolution 2013-82, Exhibit A, 15 October 2013, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

CCC 9.38.040: strict compliance with chapter 46.09 RCWCCC 9.38.050: no more than 35 mph or the posted limit, whichever is lessRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tabRCW 46.09.457: headlights and tail lamps lit whenever moving, a stop lamp, reflectors, turn signals in darkness, mirrors, a windshield or eye protection, a horn, working brakes, a spark arrester and muffler and seat belts on a utility type vehicleRCW 46.09.457: a safety inspection, a VIN check and a declaration completed by a licensed WATV dealer or motor vehicle repair shop in Washington

Clallam County Roads open

Clallam County opens every county road posted 35 mph or less to WATVs, and the towns' codes were not read.

In town To confirm

To confirm Forks. The city code carries Chapter 10.35 on wheeled all-terrain vehicles. Its text was not read.

County roads Open

Every county road posted 35 mph or less, as set in CCC 11.04.010 through 11.04.040. Roads posted over 35 mph, listed in CCC 11.04.050 through 11.04.070, are closed except to cross to another open segment. Dune buggies, go carts, handmade unlicensed vehicles, golf carts and anything outside the state WATV definition are not WATVs here. Clallam County Code Chapter 11.16, Ordinance 903, 30 June 2015, code current through Ordinance 1042 of 16 June 2026, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

CCC 11.16.030: state registration, WATV use permits and equipment lawsCCC 11.16.030: posted speed limits and every traffic lawRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tabRCW 46.09.457: headlights and tail lamps lit whenever moving, a stop lamp, reflectors, turn signals in darkness, mirrors, a windshield or eye protection, a horn, working brakes, a spark arrester and muffler and seat belts on a utility type vehicleRCW 46.09.457: a safety inspection, a VIN check and a declaration completed by a licensed WATV dealer or motor vehicle repair shop in Washington

Clark County To confirm

Clark County drafted an ordinance in 2020 to open county roads posted 35 mph or less to WATVs but its adoption was not confirmed, and Washougal is reported to open most of its streets.

In town Some

Open Washougal. Every city street is reported open to WATVs except streets on a closure list, from council minutes of 4 November 2024. Chapter 10.50 of the city code was not read. Washougal Municipal Code Chapter 10.50, not read, read 28 October 2026

County roads To confirm

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). A September 2020 hearing draft would add a section to Clark County Code Chapter 12.04 opening every unincorporated county road posted 35 mph or less to WATVs with a licensed driver and a dealer or shop certification and no towing. Its adoption was not confirmed. Hearing draft ordinance, September 2020, adoption not confirmed, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Columbia County To confirm

Under state law Columbia County's roads posted 35 mph or less are open to WATVs unless the county has named them unsuitable, and neither its off-road vehicle chapter nor the towns' codes could be read.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Cowlitz County Roads open

Cowlitz County opens every county road posted 35 mph or less to licensed WATVs with helmets or a factory roll cage, along with three short state highway stretches on SR 503, SR 504 and SR 506.

In town To confirm

To confirm Longview. The city is reported to require DOT approved tires on a WATV. Its code was not read.

County roads Open

Every county road posted 35 mph or less in unincorporated Cowlitz County. The chapter's own definition counts ATVs, UTVs and off-road vehicles as WATVs. Cowlitz County Code Chapter 12.65, Ordinance 19-046 of 21 May 2019 as amended by Ordinance 22-024 of 29 March 2022, read in a copy archived 27 November 2022, read 28 October 2026

State highways Segments open

SR 503, Lewis River Highway, milepost 36.02 to 36.61 at Old Lake Merrill Road, 0.59 mile CCC 12.65.050, Table 1, Ordinance 22-024, 29 March 2022, read 28 October 2026
SR 504, Spirit Lake Highway, milepost 9.90 to 10.76, 0.86 mile CCC 12.65.050, Table 1, Ordinance 22-024, 29 March 2022, read 28 October 2026
SR 506, Morse Street, milepost 0.00 to 0.44 at Second Street, 0.44 mile CCC 12.65.050, Table 1, Ordinance 22-024, 29 March 2022, read 28 October 2026

CCC 12.65.035: state registration, decals clearly visible and the WATV use permitCCC 12.65.035: equipment certified by a licensed WATV dealer or repair shop and the inspection papers carriedCCC 12.65.035: headlights and tail lamp on at all times while movingCCC 12.65.035: a DOT approved helmet for every occupant unless the vehicle has a factory rollover protection systemCCC 12.65.035: safety belts for the operator and every passenger of a utility type vehicle, fitted if the maker did notCCC 12.65.045: a valid driver's licenceCCC 12.65.055: no towing of sleds, tubes, wagons or trailersRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tab

Douglas County To confirm

No Douglas County act on WATVs could be read, so its county roads and its towns stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). No WATV ordinance was found on the county's own site and the county code's vehicles title could not be read.

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Ferry County Roads open

Ferry County roads posted 35 mph or less are open to WATVs under state law, and a 2008 county ordinance names more county roads for off highway vehicles at 25 mph, while Republic's streets were not read.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

This county has fewer than 15,000 people, so RCW 46.09.455(1)(c) opens its public roads posted 35 mph or less to WATVs unless the county designates a road unsuitable, and RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(iii) has the county list any unsuitable road from the main page of its website. Unposted county roads carry the 50 mph limit of RCW 46.61.400, so they are not open. Ferry County's posted ordinances from 2012 to 2022 include no unsuitable designation. Separately, Ordinance 2008-06 names county roads and rights of way for off highway vehicles, among them Russell Road, Iron Mountain Road, Sheridan Road, Trout Creek Road, Lambert Creek Road, Boulder Creek Road, Customs Road and Vulcan Mountain Road, at 25 mph or the posted limit, with Ferry and River streets in Curlew at 10 mph by daylight. RCW 46.09.455(1)(c) and Ferry County Ordinance 2008-06, effective 6 June 2008, superseding Ordinance 2007-06, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Ordinance 2008-06: state registration, OHV use permits and equipment lawsOrdinance 2008-06: an operator 16 or older with a valid driver's licence, or with a licensed adult 18 or olderOrdinance 2008-06: 25 mph or the posted limit, 5 mph near livestock, horses and riders and within 300 feet of a dwelling on dirt or gravelOrdinance 2008-06: single file at the right edge and crossings at ninety degrees after a stopRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tabRCW 46.09.457: headlights and tail lamps lit whenever moving, a stop lamp, reflectors, turn signals in darkness, mirrors, a windshield or eye protection, a horn, working brakes, a spark arrester and muffler and seat belts on a utility type vehicleRCW 46.09.457: a safety inspection, a VIN check and a declaration completed by a licensed WATV dealer or motor vehicle repair shop in Washington

Franklin County To confirm

No Franklin County act on WATVs was found, so its county roads and its towns stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Garfield County To confirm

Under state law Garfield County's roads posted 35 mph or less are open to WATVs unless the county has named them unsuitable, and neither that list nor Pomeroy's code could be read.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Grant County Some routes

Grant County opens county roads to WATVs only inside Crescent Bar, Sunland Estates, Cascade Valley, the Blue Lake area and Desert Aire, and Moses Lake allows them on mapped city streets posted 35 mph or less.

In town Some

Some Moses Lake. Certain city streets posted 35 mph or less, on the city's map. The city page summarises the rules: an operator 18 or older with a valid licence, proof of insurance and helmets unless the WATV has seat belts and roll bars or an enclosed compartment. Chapter 10.18 of the city code was not read. Ordinance 2857, effective 17 April 2017, Moses Lake Municipal Code Chapter 10.18, read 28 October 2026

County roads Some

No county road is open except the roads named in Chapter 11.36 around five communities: Crescent Bar, Sunland Estates, Cascade Valley, Desert Aire and the area of Blue Lake, Moore Road and Rimrock Coves. Each was added on a petition from residents after a SEPA review. The road tables in the scanned ordinances did not read cleanly, so the county's maps are the guide to the exact streets. Grant County Code Chapter 11.36, Ordinance 18-059-CC of 2018, Ordinance 21-090-CC of 2021 and Ordinance 22-054-CC of 2022, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

GCC 11.36.020: no WATV on any county road except the roads and segments designatedRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tabRCW 46.09.457: headlights and tail lamps lit whenever moving, a stop lamp, reflectors, turn signals in darkness, mirrors, a windshield or eye protection, a horn, working brakes, a spark arrester and muffler and seat belts on a utility type vehicleRCW 46.09.457: a safety inspection, a VIN check and a declaration completed by a licensed WATV dealer or motor vehicle repair shop in Washington

Grays Harbor County To confirm

No Grays Harbor County act on WATVs was found, while Ocean Shores has its own WATV chapter, not read.

In town Some

Some Ocean Shores. The city code carries Chapter 10.32 on wheeled all-terrain vehicles and is reported to keep them off streets over 35 mph. Its text was not read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Island County To confirm

Oak Harbor opened its city maintained streets to WATVs in December 2024, while Island County's own act was not found.

In town Some

Open Oak Harbor. City maintained streets and roads, not Highway 20 and not city parks except paved parking areas, by the city's own page. Navy streets are not the city's. The ordinance is a scanned file that was not read. Ordinance 2013, adopted 3 December 2024, adding Chapter 10.30 to the city code, read 28 October 2026

County roads To confirm

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). No WATV ordinance was found on the county's own site, though Oak Harbor's map is described as showing where WATVs may run on city streets and county roads.

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Jefferson County To confirm

No Jefferson County act on WATVs was found, so its county roads and Port Townsend stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

King County To confirm

No King County act on WATVs was found, so its county roads and its cities stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Kitsap County To confirm

No Kitsap County act on WATVs was found, so its county roads and its cities stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Kittitas County Roads open

Kittitas County opens every county maintained road posted 35 mph or less to WATVs with headlights on, and Roslyn is reported to keep its streets closed.

In town To confirm

Closed Roslyn. A county public notice of 2021 says the City of Roslyn does not permit UTVs on its streets. The city's own code was not read. not read, read 28 October 2026

County roads Open

Every county maintained road posted 35 mph or less. The older off-road vehicle chapters 10.36 and 10.37 were repealed by Ordinance 2011-004. Kittitas County Code 10.24.020, Ordinance 2014-006 of 2014, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

KCC 10.24.020: the requirements of chapter 46.09 RCW and headlights on at all timesRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tabRCW 46.09.457: headlights and tail lamps lit whenever moving, a stop lamp, reflectors, turn signals in darkness, mirrors, a windshield or eye protection, a horn, working brakes, a spark arrester and muffler and seat belts on a utility type vehicleRCW 46.09.457: a safety inspection, a VIN check and a declaration completed by a licensed WATV dealer or motor vehicle repair shop in Washington

Klickitat County To confirm

Klickitat County has weighed opening some of its slower roads to WATVs, but no adopted act was found and its towns were not read.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). News reports describe a pilot in the Glenwood area and a proposed ordinance to open about 191 of the county's 1,084 miles of road to ATVs, roads the county maintains and posts at 35 mph or less. No adopted act was found on the county's own site.

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Lewis County Some routes

Lewis County opens 156 miles of listed county roads to WATVs, mostly off US 12 in the east of the county, while the towns' codes were not read.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Some

Only the 229 county road segments on the county's list, 156.474 miles in all, mostly in the east of the county off US 12, Skate Creek Road, the Cispus area, Glenoma Road and Mossyrock Road, such as Burnt Ridge Road, Anderson Road, Birley Road to SR 122 and Young Road from the Mossyrock city limits to Ajlune Road. The ordinance text is a scanned file that was not read, so the list is the record used here. Ordinance 1286, approved 4 June 2018, Lewis County Code Chapter 10.40, read through the county's published road list, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Lincoln County To confirm

Under state law Lincoln County's roads posted 35 mph or less are open to WATVs unless the county has named them unsuitable, and neither that list nor the towns' codes could be read.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Mason County To confirm

Mason County links an off-road vehicle ordinance from its own pages but it could not be opened, so its county roads and Shelton stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). The county's own pages link an ORV Ordinance in its records portal, which would not open for this reader, so what it opens is unknown. ORV Ordinance in the county records portal, not read, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Okanogan County Some routes

Okanogan County opens 529 miles of listed county roads to WATVs and 332 miles to other off-road vehicles for riders who carry the list, and Omak is reported to open some city streets.

In town Some

Some Omak. The city code is reported to designate certain city streets for WATVs and to bar operators under 16 from city rights of way. It was not read.

County roads Some

Two county lists. The WATV list is 529.251 miles of named county roads opened by Ordinances 2012-3, 2017-4 and 2019-3, such as Buzzard Lake Road, Bonaparte Lake Road, Aeneas Valley Road and Windy Hill Road. A separate list of 332.642 miles is open to off-road vehicles, opened by Ordinances 2012-3, 2013-1, 2013-3 and 2013-8 and kept through Ordinance 2018-1, such as Chiliwist Road, Davies Road and Cecil Creek Road. Ordinance 2018-01 closed certain roads in Commissioner District 3 to WATVs, and Ordinance 2017-01 repealed Ordinance 2014-07 after a court found its environmental review inadequate. Riding any other road in unincorporated Okanogan County is a violation. Okanogan County Code Chapter 10.10 from Ordinance 2013-10 and Ordinance 2019-3 signed in March 2019, with the WATV list updated 11 April 2019 and the ORV list updated 8 June 2018, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

OCC 10.10.050: a copy of the county list of roads open to WATVs or ORVs carried while ridingOCC 10.10.060: strict compliance with chapter 46.09 RCWOCC 10.10.070: no riding on private land without the owner's permission or on public land the managing agency has not openedRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tabRCW 46.09.457: headlights and tail lamps lit whenever moving, a stop lamp, reflectors, turn signals in darkness, mirrors, a windshield or eye protection, a horn, working brakes, a spark arrester and muffler and seat belts on a utility type vehicleRCW 46.09.457: a safety inspection, a VIN check and a declaration completed by a licensed WATV dealer or motor vehicle repair shop in Washington

Pacific County To confirm

No Pacific County act on WATVs could be read, so its county roads and its towns stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Pend Oreille County Roads open

Pend Oreille County opens its county roads posted 35 mph or less to WATVs along with faster stretches that only link ORV roads and trails and keeps them off SR 20, SR 211, SR 31 and US 2 outside towns.

In town To confirm

To confirm Newport. The city code carries Chapter 10.30 on wheeled all-terrain vehicles. Its text was not read.

County roads Open

Every county road posted 35 mph or less, and only those sections of faster county roads that connect to other ORV roads and trails, at 35 mph or the posted limit, whichever is less. The ordinance does not allow travel on State Highways 20, 211, 31 or 2 except where a city ordinance does. The county is under 15,000 people, so state law would open the slower roads even without this ordinance. Ordinance 2006-2 separately governs off-road vehicles on county roads and defines them as vehicles manufactured primarily for recreational non-highway all terrain use. Ordinance No. 2013-2, adopted 23 July 2013 and effective 28 July 2013, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Ordinance 2013-2: 35 mph or the posted limit, whichever is lessOrdinance 2006-2: an ORV operator 16 or older with a valid driver's licence and a fastened DOT helmetRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tabRCW 46.09.457: headlights and tail lamps lit whenever moving, a stop lamp, reflectors, turn signals in darkness, mirrors, a windshield or eye protection, a horn, working brakes, a spark arrester and muffler and seat belts on a utility type vehicleRCW 46.09.457: a safety inspection, a VIN check and a declaration completed by a licensed WATV dealer or motor vehicle repair shop in Washington

Pierce County Some routes

Pierce County opens its slower county roads in the south and east of the county to licensed and insured WATVs, along with short stretches of SR 7 and SR 706 at Elbe and Ashford.

In town Some

Some Roy. The county's WATV page says some roads in this town allow WATVs. The town's own ordinance was not read. not read, read 28 October 2026
Some Buckley. The county's WATV page says some roads in this town allow WATVs. The town's own ordinance was not read. not read, read 28 October 2026
Some Carbonado. The county's WATV page says some roads in this town allow WATVs. The town's own ordinance was not read. not read, read 28 October 2026
Some Wilkeson. The county's WATV page says some roads in this town allow WATVs. The town's own ordinance was not read. not read, read 28 October 2026
Some Eatonville. The county's WATV page says some roads in this town allow WATVs. The town's own ordinance was not read. not read, read 28 October 2026

County roads Some

Every unincorporated county road posted 35 mph or less south of Joint Base Lewis McChord, south of 224th Street East between SR 7 and the Orting-Kapowsin Highway, south and east of the Orting-Kapowsin Highway to Orting, south and east of SR 162 between Orting and SR 165, south and east of SR 165 to Buckley and east of Buckley south of the White River. Also roads with a posted WATV speed and a named chain near Kapowsin and Orting, from Alder Cutoff Road to the Eatonville limits to Leach Road East. Closed: primitive roads, roads posted over 35 mph, Carbon River Forest Reserve Road, Crystal Mountain Boulevard, Fairfax Forest Reserve Road, Kolisch Road and Manley Moore Road. Pierce County Code Chapter 10.26, Ordinance 2020-90s as amended by Ordinances 2022-35s and 2022-64, code current through Ordinance 2026-545 of 25 August 2026, read 28 October 2026

State highways Segments open

SR 7 from milepost 16.82 to 17.18 near Elbe PCC 10.26.040(D), Ordinance 2022-64 of 2022, read 28 October 2026
SR 706 from milepost 0.00 to 0.06 near Elbe PCC 10.26.040(D), Ordinance 2022-64 of 2022, read 28 October 2026
SR 706 from milepost 7.26 to 7.94 near Ashford PCC 10.26.040(D), Ordinance 2022-64 of 2022, read 28 October 2026

PCC 10.26.030: a valid driver's licencePCC 10.26.030: proof of liability insurance at the limits of chapter 46.29 RCWPCC 10.26.030: state registration, WATV use permits and a dealer or repair shop certificationPCC 10.26.030: headlights and tail lamps on whenever movingRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tab

San Juan County To confirm

No San Juan County act on WATVs was found, so its county roads and Friday Harbor stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Skagit County To confirm

No Skagit County act on WATVs was found, so its county roads and its towns stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Skamania County To confirm

Under state law Skamania County's roads posted 35 mph or less are open to WATVs unless the county has named them unsuitable, and neither that list nor the towns' codes could be read.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Snohomish County Some routes

Snohomish County opens its slower county roads east of SR 9 and north of SR 528 to licensed and insured WATVs, with named exceptions and none on the Tulalip Reservation, and Marysville, Lake Stevens and Monroe have their own street rules.

In town Some

Some Marysville. The city code carries Chapter 11.70 on WATVs and is reported to keep them off streets over 35 mph, SR 528 among them. Its text was not read.
Some Lake Stevens. The city code carries Chapter 7.30 on WATVs and is reported to keep them off sidewalks and out of parks. Its text was not read.
Some Monroe. City maintained streets posted 35 mph or less, not SR 522, by the city's own page. The ordinance text was not read. Ordinance 008/2018, 1 May 2018, read 28 October 2026

County roads Some

County roads posted 35 mph or less in two large areas. East of SR 9 and the Snohomish-Woodinville Road, except Sultan Basin Road east of Kellogg Lake Road, Lake Chaplain Road east of Reiner Road, 108th Street NE and 91st Avenue NE near SR 9 and three roads south of SR 522. West of SR 9 and north of SR 528, except every road within the Tulalip Reservation and named roads leading to Marysville. Also Marsh Road between Lowell-Larimer Road and SR 9. Snohomish County Code Chapter 11.50, Amended Ordinance 17-032 of 6 December 2017 as amended by Amended Ordinances 18-055 of 26 September 2018 and 19-047 of 11 September 2019, code current through 19 August 2026, read 28 October 2026

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

SCC 11.50.030: state registration, WATV use permits and a dealer or repair shop certificationSCC 11.50.030: proof of liability insurance at the limits of chapter 46.29 RCWSCC 11.50.030: headlights and tail lamp on whenever moving and posted speed limits obeyedSCC 11.50.035: no WATV or off-road vehicle driven on county roads without a valid driver's licenceRCW 46.09.442: a WATV metal tag with a current off-road tab and, on a public roadway, a current on-road tab

Spokane County To confirm

No Spokane County act on WATVs could be read, so its county roads and its cities stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Stevens County To confirm

Stevens County has an off highway vehicle ordinance from 2009 and keeps OHV road maps, but neither could be read, so its county roads and its towns stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). A 2010 news report describes an Off Highway Vehicle Ordinance 06-2009 and proposed amendments opening more county roads, and the county keeps a Tri-County OHV map series with Ferry and Pend Oreille. The county's website refused this reader, so no act was read.

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Thurston County To confirm

No Thurston County act on WATVs was found, while Yelm has its own WATV chapter, not read.

In town To confirm

To confirm Yelm. The city code carries Chapter 10.34 on WATVs within city limits. Its text was not read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Wahkiakum County To confirm

Under state law Wahkiakum County's roads posted 35 mph or less are open to WATVs unless the county has named them unsuitable, and neither that list nor Cathlamet's code could be read.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads Open

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Walla Walla County To confirm

Walla Walla County points to a WATV roads list that does not open and its code could not be read, so its county roads stay unconfirmed while the city is reported to allow WATVs on its slower streets.

In town To confirm

To confirm Walla Walla. A 2019 news report says the city passed an ordinance allowing WATVs on public roadways posted 35 mph or less. The ordinance was not read. not read, read 28 October 2026

County roads To confirm

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). The county's website carries a menu item named Wheeled All Terrain Vehicle Roads List that leads back to its home page, which suggests an ordinance and a list exist. The county code sits on Municode, which this reader could not open.

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Whatcom County To confirm

No Whatcom County act on WATVs could be read, so its county roads and its cities stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Whitman County To confirm

No Whitman County act on WATVs could be read, so its county roads and its towns stay unconfirmed.

In town To confirm

No town street opening was found in the codes read.

County roads To confirm

Washington law keeps WATVs off this county's roads unless the county approves them by ordinance, because the county has 15,000 people or more, RCW 46.09.455(1)(c)(i). The county code sits on Municode, which this reader could not open, and no WATV page was found on the county's own site.

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Yakima County To confirm

No Yakima County act on WATVs was found, while the City of Yakima has its own WATV chapter, not read.

In town To confirm

To confirm Yakima. The city code carries Chapter 9.56 on wheeled all-terrain vehicles and is reported to require an operator 18 or older and proof of insurance. Its text was not read.

County roads To confirm

State highways Closed

Closed to OHVs.

Engines and EPA

Why the engine decides which truck comes in.

The same three facts hold in Washington 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

Washington, the five answers

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

The roadCan I drive it on the road?

Washington has no kei truck law. The DOL titles a vehicle from another country on its ownership document and a US Customs entry summary and asks nothing about federal standards, while its rules define a not eligible for road use comment for vehicles that do not meet federal safety standards as the State Patrol adopts them. No source says how either reaches a kei truck.

In addition to the ownership document, a vehicle from a foreign country needs an approved CBP Entry Summary properly executed authorizing its entry, English translations and any needed release of interest. WAC 308-56A-115(5)
Not eligible for road use means a vehicle that does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards or other federal or state standards for public road use as the State Patrol adopts, applies and enforces them. WAC 308-56A-500(16)
The State Patrol adopts FMVSS by reference for vehicle equipment standards. WAC 204-10-021
Federal standards the State Patrol adopts apply only to vehicles manufactured in a model year after the adoption. RCW 46.37.005
Issuing an off-road vehicle title does not qualify the vehicle for road registration. RCW 46.09.320(4)

WAC 308-56A-115; WAC 308-56A-500(16); WAC 204-10-021; RCW 46.37.005; RCW 46.09.320(4)

The road ruleapp.leg.wa.gov, read 28 October 2026

TitleHow do I title and register it?

Washington titles an imported vehicle on an approved CBP entry summary that authorizes the vehicle's entry, with an English translation of any foreign document.

The steps

Obtain the Customs document from US Customs itself, not a broker or a foreign customs office, showing the year, make and VIN, signed and stamped.
Gather the current foreign ownership document or else proof of ownership with evidence of its cancellation for export.
Apply for a certificate of ownership at a vehicle licensing office.

The documents

CBP entry summary signed and stamped by US Customs, showing year, make and VIN
Foreign ownership document or proof of ownership with evidence of its export cancellation
English translation of any document not in English
Application for certificate of ownership

Washington State Department of Licensing, 360 902 3900

Title and registrationdol.wa.gov, read 28 October 2026

LandCan I use it on a farm or private land?

Washington registers off-road vehicles with a yearly ORV registration and decal. A four-wheeled vehicle on low-pressure tires of 20 psi or less, under 74 inches wide and under 2,000 pounds is a wheeled all-terrain vehicle with its own title and registration.

Class. Off-road vehicle: a nonstreet registered vehicle when used for recreational purposes on nonhighway roads, trails or other natural terrain, including four-wheel drive vehicles. RCW 46.04.365. A kei truck's highway tires keep it out of the wheeled all-terrain vehicle class.

Registration. ORV registration and decal, except on and across agricultural and timberlands owned, leased or managed by the owner, the operator or the operator's employer. RCW 46.09.420(3)

Off road useapp.leg.wa.gov, read 28 October 2026

On the farm

Off-road vehicles operated on and across agricultural and timberlands owned, leased or managed by the owner, the operator or the operator's employer are exempt from ORV registration and decals.

Farm useapp.leg.wa.gov, read 28 October 2026

InspectionWhat inspection or insurance applies?

Safety. No periodic safety inspection applies in Washington.

Emissions. Washington ended its vehicle emissions check program in 2020.

Inspectiondol.wa.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. Washington requires liability insurance to drive any registered vehicle on public roads.

Insurancedol.wa.gov, read 28 October 2026

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

NextWhat is coming?

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

Questions

Asked about Washington.

Can I drive a kei truck on Washington roads?

Washington law does not name kei trucks. The DOL titles an imported vehicle once US Customs clears it. Its rules define a not eligible for road use comment for vehicles that do not meet federal safety standards as the State Patrol adopts them, and those standards apply only to vehicles built after the Patrol adopted them. The DOL decides how that reaches a kei truck.

Who decides?

The Washington State Department of Licensing, 360 902 3900.

Do I need ORV registration for my farm or orchard?

No. Washington exempts off-road vehicles used on and across agricultural and timberland owned, leased or managed by the owner, the operator or the operator's employer.

What about a truck 25 years or older?

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

Upgrades

Upgrades in Washington.

Height and lift. No bumper, frame or lift limit was found in chapter 46.37 RCW. Bumpers may not protrude beyond the original bumper line and an original system may not be removed except for repairs (RCW 46.37.513 and 46.37.517). Headlamp centers sit 24 to 54 inches high (46.37.040).

Tires and fenders. Fenders, covers, flaps or splash aprons must be as wide as the tires and reach down at least to the axle center (RCW 46.37.500). Tread under 2/32 inch is unsafe (46.37.425). None found on how far a tire may stick out or on spacers.

Lights. Up to two each of spot lamps, fog lamps at 12 to 30, auxiliary passing lamps at 24 to 42 and auxiliary driving lamps at 16 to 42 inches are allowed (RCW 46.37.180). At most two additional front lamps may be lit (46.37.270).

Modification and inspection. A vehicle titled for the first time as assembled, homemade, kit, street rod or custom needs a State Patrol inspection (RCW 46.12.560). A lift or tire change on a titled vehicle is not named. A custom vehicle is at least thirty years old (46.12.691).

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

Getting it there

Where Washington'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 Tacoma, The Northwest Seaport Alliance South Harbor

Tacoma is the Northwest door, eleven days from Tokyo on a weekly sailing, with autos rolling off at East Blair One and I-5 at the gate.

The road. I-5 within Washington.

about 50 road miles, straight line times 1.2

Sources

Every source read, 28 October 2026

The public record of Washington 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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How it works

Pacific

Neighbouring states.

All states

AlaskaOpen to road use CaliforniaClosed to road use HawaiiClosed to road use OregonClosed to road use

Areas in Washington

Yakima ValleyWenatchee and Okanogan valleys