House Research Department
Updated: October 2008
Low-Power Vehicles
Page 7
Mini-trucks
Classification3
Mini-trucks resemble pick-up trucks, but are notably smaller in
size and capacity. They are produced by a number of Asian
manufacturers such as Daihatsu, Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and
Suzuki. They are generally imported for off-road uses. In some
cases, importers install a governor limiting the top speed to 25
miles per hour. The vehicle taxation structure in Japan, which
creates incentives for owning newer vehicles that meet higher
emissions standards, appears to have helped spawn exports to the
United States.
The trucks typically weigh between 1,400 and 1,800 pounds and have 12-inch wheels. Although
they come in different forms, the standard is an open flat bed behind a small enclosed cab for the
driver and one passenger. Most engines range from 550 cc to 660 cc and have 3 or 4 cylinders.
Other features can include air conditioning and all-wheel drive. Uses of mini-trucks include
recreational off-road activity, work on farms and ranches, at construction sites, in industrial
parks, and for grounds maintenance.
Regulations
Mini-trucks cannot be registered to drive on public roads in Minnesota. The vehicles do not
meet federally mandated vehicle equipment standards for motor vehicles, and state law requires
that the federal as well as state standards must be met in order for the vehicle to be registered and
have been imported into the United States for nonhighway use, they have accordingly not been
held subject to equipment standards (such as for vehicle lighting and occupant safety) that apply
to other motor vehicles.
A mini-truck is not able to legally be operated on public roads and does not
Registration
need to be registered or titled with the Department of Public Safety. The
vehicle may need to be registered with the Department of Natural
Resources for certain off-road use.
A driver's license or permit is not required for operation.
Licensing
The device does not need to be insured.
Insurance
Since the vehicles are not allowed on public roads, there are no special
Operation
traffic regulations.
There are no equipment or safety requirements specific to mini-trucks.
Safety equipment
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