ATLANTA — Owners of “miniature” Japanese Kei cars in Georgia are closely watching legislation that could return them to the road.
It’s been a frustrating and confusing experience for car owners like Harrison Krix, who fell in love with the small, affordable and unique vehicle he saw on the streets of Japan. After importing his Kei car, he registered his vehicle with the state and was issued a tag.
Last fall, the state did a U-turn.
“They simply said we issued your title in error and we need it back,” said Krix. “Because of that this vehicle is no longer legal to drive.”
Other Kei car enthusiasts in Georgia who registered their vehicles faced the same situation.
Bite—I’m out the money I paid the DMV,” said Kei car owner Branden Reagin. “All the Japanese documents we used to get a title, we can’t get those back either, so it puts us in a weird spot.”
“You don’t have a title so you’re stuck,” said Kei car owner Cameron Skuza. “Your car is essentially worthless.”
Kei cars are lighter, slower, and older than most vehicles you see on the streets of Georgia. They have to be over 25 years old to import them.
Last year, the Department of Revenue wrote tag offices throughout the state that “Kei Vehicles cannot protect passengers from collisions with even the smallest, lightest vehicles. Kei Vehicles are not safe to be driven on Georgia roads.”
State lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow them on some Georgia roads.
Rep. Jay Collins has introduced House Bill 1239, which calls for the legalization of “miniature on-road” vehicles.
“They’re equipped with headlights, taillights, some have airbags,” Rep. Collins told the House Motor Vehicles Committee.
The proposed legislation would allow vehicles that weigh less than 4,000 pounds and travel between 25 and 65 miles an hour to travel on local streets and county roads. Rep. Collins points out that ATVs and golf carts are allowed on certain roadways. Collins referred to Kei cars as “golf carts on steroids.”
“I do see light at the end of the tunnel,” said Kei car owner Michael Griffin. “I hope things get situated so we can drive our trucks again. Right now it’s just a paperweight.”
Some Kei car owners have sued the state and vow their fight is just beginning.
“What I want is what I had a year ago,” said Harrison Krix.
The proposed legislation passed the House’s Motor Vehicles Committee, but it must pass the full house on Crossover Day in Georgia, or it won’t survive this legislative session.