economy
March 14, 2026
EPA, let me drive my kei car!
While teaching English in Okinawa, Japan, I bought a used 2012 Nissan Moco for $1,300 to zip around the island. While not ideal for America’s high-speed interstate travel, it was perfectly suited for commuting around Okinawa’s urban districts and taking in its breathtaking views, from day trips up north to Cape Hedo or Nakijin Castle Ruins.
TL;DR
- Kei cars are popular in Japan due to their low price, minimal maintenance, and great gas mileage, making up 30-40% of total car sales.
- The average new car price in the U.S. ($50,080) is significantly higher than in Japan (around $10,000 for new kei cars).
- Current U.S. law requires vehicles to be 25 years old to be imported without meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, delaying the import of newer kei cars like the 2012 Nissan Moco until 2037.
- Kei cars lack U.S. motor vehicle certification and are considered non-road vehicles, requiring modifications to cap their speed at 25 mph unless reclassified under the Clean Air Act.
- Safety concerns for older kei cars include lack of modern safety technology, small crumple zones, and low maximum speeds.
- Potential solutions include harmonizing Japan's New Car Assessment Program with NHTSA and state-level restrictions on kei cars to lower-speed roads.
- Reforming outdated federal safety and emissions regulations is necessary to allow Americans to import or domestically produce kei cars.
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