Why Is This Popular Truck Illegal On New York Roads?

The state of Massachusetts recently revealed that they would begin to allow registration for a popular imported truck. What's bewildering for many local drivers is that these vehicles are still under strict regulation in New York.

The vehicles in question have become increasingly popular in recent years, and while they meet the requirements to be legally imported into the United States, several states, including New York, still won't allow them on local roads.

There's one type of truck that New York State still will not allow on public roads (Google)

Importing a Foreign Car to New York

There are several strict requirements for the legal import of a motor vehicle into this country, including an age restriction. To help protect United State car dealerships, only vehicles 25 years or older can be legally imported. So why are these 25-year old trucks so popular?

Kei trucks, like this Suzuki, are not road legal in New York (HVNYImports.com)

Kei Trucks Are Not Road Legal in New York State

The vehicles in question, called Kei Trucks (meaning "light" truck), are small, nimble trucks that can carry loads while fitting into spaces that traditional trucks cannot. While they have recently spiked in popularity in the United States, New York is one of several states who still refuse to allow them on local roads. Here's why:

Kei trucks, like this Mitsubishi, are not road legal in New York (HVNYImports.com)

Why Aren't Kei Trucks Road Legal in New York State?

While states like Massachusetts have recently reversed their decision on these adorable trucks, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) still maintains that Kei trucks may not receive state registration... unless one important factor is met:

The DMV will not register or title any Kei-class vehicle unless the vehicle has been brought into compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission requirements

Many New York drivers frustrated with the decision point out the fact that there are plenty of American-made cars on the road that are older, less safe, and have worse emissions than Kei trucks, however for the time being, the NYS DMV shows no signs of following in Massachusetts' steps.

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Just because these vehicles aren't able to be registered in New York, it doesn't mean that New York residents still can't get their hands on one. Dealerships in the Hudson Valley, like HVNY Imports in Goshen, NY offer Kei trucks for sale, although they warn about the inability for New York State registration.

New York State's 5 Most Dangerous Roads [RANKED]

With plenty of big cities and numerous busy highways, it should come as no surprise New York state is unfortunately home to some of the most dangerous roads in the nation. While you would expect New York City to be the home of such roadways (2 on this list), the danger is not limited to the Big Apple. According to Catalano Law, 3 New York State's 5 most dangerous roads live mostly Upstate and should be navigated with the most extreme caution. Here are the 5 most dangerous in the Empire State.

Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff

The 15 Cars Or Trucks That Make New Yorkers The Most Angry

Source: Why Is This Popular Truck Illegal On New York Roads?