Mini trucks are about to be big in Texas

• Kei vehicles have technically been street legal for a little over a year, thanks to a policy change at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Senate Bill 1816 would write that allowance into state law, removing any gray areas.

The big picture: Kei vehicles were designed to meet Japan's tight regulations on size and engine power. They're typically at least 25 years old to qualify for U.S. import rules and feature small frames, right-hand drive, and top speeds between 45 mph and 75 mph.

• Their charm, fuel efficiency, and low cost have earned them a cult following online. Think: YouTube builds, auction guides and TikToks with millions of views.
• Listings on sites like Minitrucks.net range from $2,995 to $9,000, depending on fees and tariffs. That's a far cry from the $39,445 entry price on a new Ford F-150, the most popular vehicle in Texas.

Between the lines: David McChristian, 37, founder of nonprofit Lone Star Kei, persuaded the DMV to revise its policy in April 2024, allowing owners to register their vehicles for road use. McChristian then worked with lawmakers to codify those changes through SB 1816.

• "This bill is huge for kei vehicles," McChristian told Axios. "They're getting more popular, and it's getting bigger and bigger every day."