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Are Mini Trucks Street Legal? [ Here’s The Answer ]

Are Mini Trucks Street Legal? [ Here’s The Answer ]

Globally, the market and demand for ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and UTVS (utility vehicles) rise late. It is because of their rough & tough drive that is impossible with other vehicles.

The only downsides of these off-roading vehicles are their high price tags and certain restrictions put up by the federal governments in the USA.

Due to this, people are luring towards the Japanese mini truck, which is much cheaper and feasible for everyone.

But is a mini truck street legal across the United States? Let’s find out.

Are Mini Trucks Street Legal?

The Japanese mini truck is legal in every state of the United States; however, some states have specific T&Cs over their usage, just like other vehicles plying on the road.

For example, in some states, these mini trucks must lie within a particular age bracket, you must drive them only on public property, etc. Additionally, you can’t drive them on certain roads or highways, etc.

But rest assured, except for such restrictions, almost every US state calls it legal to own and drive a mini truck on the roads. After all, it’s currently the best option for both outdoor and off-road usage.

What states are mini trucks street legal?

All states of the United States treat it legal to own and drive mini trucks with/without restrictions. Below is a rundown of all the states and their laws for the mini trucks, if any.

Alabama

Mini trucks are legal here; however, not allowed to run on interstate highways or beyond the fixed speed of 25mph.

Alaska

There is no law as such in Alaska regarding the usage of mini trucks.

Arizona

The mini truck is legal in Arizona with the Highway Use Certificate and compilation of the vehicle with the defined safety guidelines.

Arkansas

Driving a mini truck is legal on the fixed speed limit of 55mph.

California

The California government has made it legal to use mini trucks for off-road driving and on the streets with a strict no to their usage on the highways.

Colorado

The mini trucks are only legal for off-road purposes and not streets or highways.

Connecticut

Again, the Japanese mini trucks are illegal here.

Delaware

Here, all mini trucks are legal on both streets and highways.

District of Columbia

No laws are there to govern the usage of mini trucks in DOC.

Florida

You can drive only registered mini trucks that too on streets (not highways) within the prescribed speed limit of 35mph.

Georgia

Mini trucks are the only street legal and illegal for roads and highways.

Hawaii

You can only use mini trucks on streets or off-road but not on public roads or highways.

Idaho

The federal government of Idaho allows mini trucks as alternative transportation in the state.

Illinois

You can drive a mini truck on the street at 25mph and 35mph or less on the road.

Iowa

Mini trucks are illegal on public roads, including the highways.

Indiana

There are no restrictions on the usage of mini trucks as long as they are registered.

Kansas

The state allows usage of mini trucks on public roads except for state highways, federal highways, and interstate roads.

Kentucky

Mini trucks are legal if allowed by the local ordinances.

Louisiana

The mini trucks are legal for usage under the fixed speed limit of 55mph or less.

Maine

The mini trucks are legal for usage in Maine under the set speed limit of 35mph.

Maryland

The state does not allow using mini trucks on public roads, including highways.

Massachusetts

Mini trucks are strictly not allowed in Massachusetts.

Michigan

Like Massachusetts, Michigan disallows using mini trucks on its roads.

Minnesota

Mini trucks must get approval from the body of the local ordinance for usage across the state.

Mississippi

You need to present the bill & application of ownership along with a $100 title bond to drive a mini truck on the public roads.

Missouri

There is a speed restriction of 45mph or less on mini trucks in Missouri.

Montana

Permission from the body of the local ordinance is necessary for using a mini truck in Montana.

Nebraska

No restrictions exist for running mini trucks on public roads, excluding freeways, expressways, and interstate highways.

Nevada

It’s illegal to use mini trucks on public roads and initiate legal proceedings against you.

New Hampshire

A mini truck is free for use within 25 miles or less from the owner’s residence or place of business at a set speed limit of 35mph.

New Jersey

You can’t use a mini truck on public roads.

New Mexico

You can’t use a mini truck on public roads in New Mexico.

North Carolina

NC government has made it legal to use mini trucks on all its roads without restrictions.

North Dakota

With a set speed limit of 55mph or less, you can freely use a mini truck in North Dakota. However, it is unlawful to use them on roads with a speed limit over 65mph.

Ohio

If the body of local ordinances allows, you can use a mini truck at 35mph or less.

Oklahoma

Except for the interstate roads & highways, there are no restrictions over the use of mini trucks.

Oregon

There are strict restrictions on the use of mini trucks in Oregon. Even for off-road purposes, you can only use them for transporting goods from one place to another.

Pennsylvania

Mini trucks are illegal here.

Rhode Island

Except for state roads, including highways, you can use mini trucks everywhere else.

South Carolina

You are free to use a mini truck in SC in any way you like.

South Dakota

A mini truck isn’t legal on the state roads in South Dakota.

Tennessee

If the local ordinances allow, you can drive a mini truck at 35mph.

Texas

Texas is yet to legalize the use of mini trucks across the state.

Utah

Except for interstate roads & highways, you can drive your mini truck at 50mph or less.

Vermont

Mini trucks are still illegal in Vermont.

Virginia

The use of mini trucks is still not allowed on the highways; however, they are free for farm purposes.

Washington

Washington hasn’t legalized the use of mini trucks across the state.

West Virginia

Mini trucks are only allowed for the transportation of goods within a distance of 35 miles.

Wisconsin

Mini trucks are legal in Wisconsin but need registration with proper plates.

Wyoming

The government of Wyoming has made it legal to drive mini trucks across the state except for the interstate highways.

So, these are the laws for ownership and usage of mini trucks in the United States.

Are Japanese mini trucks Legal In the USA?

Yes, Japanese mini trucks are legal in the United States. However, the trucks that are over 25-years old must have registration with plating as per the body of the local ordinances.

Conclusion

A mini truck is becoming a huge success among the young generation, with its affordable price tag acting as icing on the cake.

Talking about the United States, although mini trucks weren’t allowed earlier, every US state legalizes their ownership and usage except for a few states, as discussed above.

If you live in the US and are looking for a durable and reliable off-road vehicle, go ahead with a Japanese mini truck.