First Regular Session
Seventy-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
ENGROSSED
This Version Includes All Amendments Adopted
on Second Reading in the House of Introduction
LLS NO. 25-0753.02 Jery Payne x2157
HOUSE BILL 25-1281
House Committees Senate Committees
Transportation, Housing & Local Government
Finance
Appropriations
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING KEI VEHICLES .101
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
http://leg.colorado.gov
.)
A kei vehicle is the smallest road-legal, 4-wheeled vehicle in Japan
and is imported into the United States as a used vehicle. The bill defines
a kei vehicle as a motor vehicle for the purposes of the "Uniform Motor
Vehicle Law" and the "Certificate of Title Act". These acts govern
issuing a certificate of title, registering a motor vehicle, and the rules of
the road for motor vehicles. The bill authorizes a kei vehicle to operate on
the roads and requires a kei vehicle to be issued a certificate of title, be
registered, and obey motor vehicle traffic laws.
HOUSE
Amended 2nd Reading
April 11, 2025
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Lindstedt and Suckla,
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Hinrichsen and Pelton B.,
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. Driving a kei vehicle on a roadway that has a speed limit greater
than 55 miles per hour or on a limited-access highway is prohibited.
For emissions testing, a kei vehicle is tested not using a
dynamometer but using a 2-speed idle test. The vehicle must pass the
emissions standards for the year it was manufactured.
The department of revenue, the Colorado state patrol, and the
agents or contractors of these agencies may not require a vehicle to have
an inspection because it is a kei vehicle or has the design or
manufacturing parameters of a kei vehicle. And a kei vehicle may not be
declared not roadworthy because of its design or manufacturing
parameters.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 10-4-601, amend (6)2
as follows:3
10-4-601. Definitions. As used in this part 6, unless the context4
otherwise requires:5
(6) "Motor vehicle" means a "motor vehicle",
A "KEI VEHICLE",6
and a "low-power scooter", as both
EACH OF THESE terms are IS defined7
in section 42-1-102; C.R.S.; except that "motor vehicle" does not include8
a toy vehicle, snowmobile, off-highway vehicle, or vehicle designed9
primarily for use on rails.10
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 42-1-102, amend11
(58)(a); and add (45.3) as follows:12
42-1-102. Definitions. As used in articles 1 to 4 of this title 42,13
unless the context otherwise requires:14
(45.3) "KEI VEHICLE" MEANS A VEHICLE THAT:15
(a) IS POWERED BY AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH A16
DISPLACEMENT OF ONE THOUSAND CUBIC CENTIMETERS OR LESS OR AN17
ELECTRICAL MOTOR OF FIFTY-SIX THOUSAND WATTS OR LESS;18
(b) IS SIXTY-SEVEN INCHES OR LESS IN WIDTH;19
1281-2- (c) IS ONE HUNDRED FORTY INCHES OR LESS IN LENGTH;1
(d) TRAVELS ON FOUR OR MORE TIRES IN CONTACT WITH THE2
GROUND;3
(e) HAS A TOP SPEED OF AT LEAST FIFTY MILES PER HOUR;4
(f) HAS AN ENCLOSED PASSENGER CAB ;5
(g) WAS IMPORTED INTO THE UNITED STATES; AND6
(h) (I) WAS TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OLD OR OLDER WHEN IMPORTED7
INTO THE UNITED STATES; OR8
(II) IS TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OLD OR OLDER AND WAS PREVIOUSLY9
ISSUED A TITLE IN THE UNITED STATES.10
(58) "Motor vehicle":11
(a) Means any A self-propelled vehicle that is designed primarily12
for travel on the public highways and that is generally and commonly13
used to transport persons and property over the public highways, a14
low-speed electric vehicle,
A KEI VEHICLE, or an autocycle; except that the15
term does not include electrical assisted bicycles, electric scooters,16
low-power scooters except as provided in subsection (58)(b) of this17
section, wheelchairs, or vehicles moved solely by human power;18
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 42-4-109.7 as19
follows:20
42-4-109.7. Kei vehicles. (1) (a) A
PERSON SHALL NOT DRIVE A21
KEI VEHICLE ON A ROADWAY THAT HAS A SPEED LIMIT GREATER THAN22
FIFTY-FIVE MILES PER HOUR; EXCEPT THAT A PERSON MAY DRIVE ACROSS23
A ROADWAY WITH A SPEED LIMIT GREATER THAN FIFTY -FIVE MILES PER24
HOUR AT AN AT-GRADE INTERSECTION.25
(b) A
PERSON SHALL NOT DRIVE A KEI VEHICLE ON A26
LIMITED-ACCESS HIGHWAY.27
1281
-3- (2) A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION IS A CLASS B TRAFFIC1
INFRACTION.2
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 42-4-304, amend3
(19)(b)(II) as follows:4
42-4-304. Definitions relating to motor vehicle inspection and5
readjustment program. As used in sections 42-4-301 to 42-4-316,6
unless the context otherwise requires:7
(19) (b) (II) E
XCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 42-4-310 (2)(a)(II),8
inspection procedures used by a motor vehicle dealer test facility pursuant9
to this paragraph (b) shall
SUBSECTION (19)(b) MUST include a loaded10
mode transient dynamometer test cycle in combination with appropriate11
idle short tests pursuant to rules and regulations of the commission.12
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 42-4-309, amend13
(3)(b) as follows:14
42-4-309. Vehicle fleet owners - motor vehicle dealers -15
authority to conduct inspections - fleet inspection stations - motor16
vehicle dealer test facilities - contracts with licensed inspection-only17
entities. (3) (b) Within the enhanced emissions program, motor vehicle18
dealers licensed pursuant to part 1 of article 20 of title 44 may contract for19
used motor vehicle inspection services by a licensed motor vehicle dealer20
test facility. E
XCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 42-4-310 (2)(a)(II) AND21
pursuant to rules of the commission, inspection procedures shall
MUST22
include a loaded mode transient dynamometer test cycle in combination23
with appropriate idle short tests.24
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 42-4-310, amend25
(2)(a) as follows:26
42-4-310. Periodic emissions control inspection required.27
1281
-4- (2) (a) (I) TO DETERMINE WHETHER A MOTOR VEHICLE QUALIFIES FOR1
ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATION OF EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE , the emissions2
inspection required under this section shall MUST include:3
(A) An analysis of tail pipe TAILPIPE and evaporative emissions;4
(B) After January 1, 1994, such inspection shall include An5
analysis of emissions control equipment, including on-board diagnostic6
systems, chlorofluorocarbons, and visible smoke emissions for the basic7
emissions program area and the enhanced emissions program area; and8
(C) Emissions testing that meets the performance standards set by9
federal requirements for the enhanced emissions program area by means10
of procedures specified by regulation RULE of the commission; to11
determine whether the motor vehicle qualifies for issuance of a12
certification of emissions compliance. AND13
(D) For motor vehicles of the model year 1975 or later, not tested14
under a transient load on a dynamometer, said inspection shall also15
include a visual inspection of emissions control equipment pursuant to16
rules of the commission.17
(II) N
OTWITHSTANDING SUBSECTION (2)(a)(I) OF THIS SECTION, A18
KEI VEHICLE IS NOT TESTED USING A DYNAMOMETER . A KEI VEHICLE MUST19
BE TESTED USING A TWO-SPEED IDLE TEST. TO BE ISSUED A CERTIFICATE20
OF EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE, A KEI VEHICLE MUST PASS THE EMISSIONS21
STANDARDS FOR THE MODEL YEAR IT WAS MANUFACTURED .22
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 42-5-202, add (5) as23
follows:24
42-5-202. Vehicle identification number inspection. (5) T
HE25
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE , THE AGENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF26
REVENUE, THE COLORADO STATE PATROL, THE AGENTS OF THE COLORADO27
1281
-5- STATE PATROL, OR A PERSON THAT HAS CONTRACTED WITH THE1
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OR THE COLORADO STATE PATROL SHALL NOT2
REQUIRE A VEHICLE TO HAVE AN INSPECTION BECAUSE IT IS A KEI VEHICLE,3
AS DEFINED IN SECTION 42-1-102 (45.3), OR HAS THE DESIGN OR4
MANUFACTURING PARAMETERS OF A KEI VEHICLE , AS DEFINED IN SECTION5
42-1-102
(45.3). THIS SUBSECTION (5) APPLIES FOR THE PURPOSES OF BOTH6
ARTICLE 6 OF THIS TITLE 42 AND PART 3 OF ARTICLE 4 OF THIS TITLE 42.7
SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 42-6-102, amend8
(6.5), (10) introductory portion,
(11.5)(b)(I) introductory portion, and9
(15); and add (6.6) and (6.7) as follows:10
42-6-102. Definitions. As used in this part 1, unless the context11
otherwise requires:12
(6.5) "Kit vehicle" means a passenger-type motor vehicle13
assembled, by other than a licensed manufacturer, from a manufactured14
kit that includes a prefabricated body and chassis and is accompanied by15
a manufacturer's statement of origin "KEI VEHICLE" HAS THE MEANING SET16
FORTH IN SECTION 42-1-102.17
(6.6) "KEI OFF-ROAD VEHICLE" MEANS A VEHICLE THAT:18
(a) IS POWERED BY AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH A19
DISPLACEMENT OF ONE THOUSAND CUBIC CENTIMETERS OR LESS OR AN20
ELECTRICAL MOTOR OF FIFTY-SIX THOUSAND WATTS OR LESS;21
(b) IS SIXTY-SEVEN INCHES OR LESS IN WIDTH;22
(c) IS ONE HUNDRED FORTY INCHES OR LESS IN LENGTH ;23
(d) TRAVELS ON FOUR OR MORE TIRES IN CONTACT WITH THE24
GROUND;25
(e) HAS AN ENCLOSED PASSENGER CAB ;26
(f) WAS IMPORTED INTO THE UNITED STATES; AND27
1281
-6- (g) DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 42-1-1021
(45.3)(h).2
(6.7) "KIT VEHICLE" MEANS A PASSENGER-TYPE MOTOR VEHICLE3
ASSEMBLED, BY OTHER THAN A LICENSED MANUFACTURER , FROM A4
MANUFACTURED KIT THAT INCLUDES A PREFABRICATED BODY AND5
CHASSIS AND IS ACCOMPANIED BY A MANUFACTURER 'S STATEMENT OF6
ORIGIN.7
(10) "Motor vehicle" means any A self-propelled vehicle that is8
designed primarily for travel on the public highways and is generally and9
commonly used to transport persons and property over the public10
highways, including autocycles,
KEI VEHICLES, trailers, semitrailers, and11
trailer coaches, without motive power. "Motor vehicle" does not include12
the following:13
(11.5) (b) (I) Except as described in subsection (11.5)(b)(II) of14
this section, "off-highway vehicle" includes vehicles commonly known15
as all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, KEI OFF-ROAD VEHICLES, and surplus16
military vehicles but does not include:17
(15) (a) "Roadworthy" means a condition in which a motor18
vehicle has sufficient power and is fit to operate on the roads and19
highways of this state after visual inspection by appropriate law20
enforcement authorities.21
(b) In order to be roadworthy, such A vehicle, in accord with its22
design and use, shall MUST have all major parts and systems permanently23
attached and functioning and shall MUST not be repaired in such a manner24
as to make the vehicle unsafe.25
(c) For purposes of this subsection (15), AS USED IN THIS26
SUBSECTION (15):27
1281
-7- (I) "IN ACCORD WITH ITS DESIGN AND USE " PRECLUDES A KEI1
VEHICLE FROM BEING DECLARED TO BE NOT ROADWORTHY BASED ON ITS2
DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING PARAMETERS .3
(II) "Major parts and systems" shall include, but not be limited to,4
INCLUDES the body of a motor vehicle with related component parts,5
engine, transmission, tires, wheels, seats, exhaust,
AND brakes and all6
other equipment required by Colorado law for the particular vehicle.7 SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 44-20-102, amend8
(16); and add (12.5) as follows:9
44-20-102. Definitions. As used in this part 1, and in part 4 of this10
article 20, unless the context or section 44-20-402 otherwise requires:11
(12.5) "KEI ROAD VEHICLE" MEANS A "KEI VEHICLE" AS DEFINED12
IN SECTION 42-1-102 (45.3).13
(16) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle intended primarily for14
use on the public highways that is self-propelled and every vehicle15
intended primarily for operation on the public highways that is not16
self-propelled but is designed to be attached to, become a part of, or be17
drawn by a self-propelled vehicle, not including farm tractors and other18
machines and tools used in the production, harvesting, and care of farm19
products. "Motor vehicle" includes a KEI ROAD VEHICLE OR A low-power20
scooter or autocycle as either is defined in section 42-1-102.21
SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 44-20-131.5 as22
follows:23
44-20-313.5. Kei road vehicles - no liability for manufacturing24
standards. A PERSON LICENSED UNDER THIS PART 1 IS NOT LIABLE FOR25
ANY DAMAGES THAT ARE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO26
SELLING A KEI ROAD VEHICLE THAT IS NOT MANUFACTURED IN27
1281
-8- ACCORDANCE WITH UNITED STATES FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS .1
SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 44-20-402, amend2
(11)(b) and (11)(c); and add (6.5) and (11)(d) as follows:3
44-20-402. Definitions. As used in this part 4, unless the context4
otherwise requires:5
(6.5) "KEI OFF-ROAD VEHICLE" MEANS A VEHICLE THAT:6
(a) IS POWERED BY AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH A7
DISPLACEMENT OF ONE THOUSAND CUBIC CENTIMETERS OR LESS OR AN8
ELECTRICAL MOTOR OF FIFTY-SIX THOUSAND WATTS OR LESS;9
(b) IS SIXTY-SEVEN INCHES OR LESS IN WIDTH;10
(c) IS ONE HUNDRED FORTY INCHES OR LESS IN LENGTH ;11
(d) TRAVELS ON FOUR OR MORE TIRES IN CONTACT WITH THE12
GROUND;13
(e) HAS AN ENCLOSED PASSENGER CAB ;14
(f) WAS IMPORTED INTO THE UNITED STATES; AND15
(g) DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 42-1-10216
(45.3)(h). 17
(11) "Powersports vehicle" means any of the following:18
(b) A personal watercraft; or19
(c) A snowmobile; OR20
(d) A KEI OFF-ROAD VEHICLE.21
SECTION 12. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 44-20-432.5 as22
follows:23
44-20-432.5. Kei off-road vehicles - no liability for24
manufacturing standards. A PERSON LICENSED UNDER THIS PART 4 IS25
NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES THAT ARE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY26
ATTRIBUTABLE TO SELLING A KEI OFF-ROAD VEHICLE THAT IS NOT27
1281
-9- MANUFACTURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNITED STATES FEDERAL SAFETY1
STANDARDS.2
SECTION 13. Act subject to petition - effective date -3
applicability. (1) This act takes effect July 1, 2027; except that, if a4
referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the5
state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act6
within the ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general7
assembly, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect unless8
approved by the people at the general election to be held in November9
2026 and, in such case, will take effect July 1, 2027.10
(2) This act applies to applications submitted or offenses11
committed on or after January 1, 2028.12
1281
-10-