Maine Is Cancelling The Registrations Of Imported JDM Cars

Maine is turning fun, capable vehicles into lawn ornaments.

By Mercedes Streeter
Yesterday 2:02PM

Owners of Japanese Domestic Market kei trucks and Mitsubishi Delicas in the state of Maine are dealing with the scenario of every car enthusiast’s nightmares. The state says it’ll cancel registrations of imported vehicles that doesn’t meet federal regulations, leaving enthusiasts confused.

The federal government’s infamous 25 Year Rule restricts the importation of vehicles non-U.S.-market cars and trucks until they’re at least 25 years old. Even when importing something 25 years or older, dealing with the federal government is only part of the process as states set their own rules. Many owners of imported vehicles in Maine are finding out that the state can also change its rules, turning your pride and joy into a paperweight.

" target="_blank">Mitsubishi Delica owners are hopping on forums and Facebook to report that they are receiving alarming letters from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The letters tell them that their registration is cancelled pursuant to 29-A MRSA 354, a statute that says that an off-road vehicle cannot be registered in the state. Further, the letters claim that the Mitsubishi Delica is a minitruck that does not meet federal emissions and safety requirements and thus cannot be driven on the state’s roads.

The Mitsubishi Delica is a favorite of JDM fans looking for a right-hand-drive four-wheel-drive van that can go anywhere and turn heads at car shows. But “mini” they are not. Kei-class vehicles like minitrucks are legally required in Japan to be no greater than 660cc, be no longer than 11.2 ft, no wider than 4.9 ft and no taller than 6.6 ft. The Delica sits far outside of the Kei class, being about as large as an American minivan and having engines up to 3-liters in displacement.

{snip}