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H 3698

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 122 co-sponsors

Allows MA to register 25+ year-old imported vehicles (FMVSS-compliant under 49 CFR 591), including Kei cars, and requires RMV to publish policy and honor inspections.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 3698

Summary: H.3698 — An Act relative to federal motor vehicle safety standards compliance

Purpose and intent

  • To align Massachusetts registration rules for vehicles 25 years or older with federal exemptions for importing and registering such vehicles under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
  • Specifically, to allow the registration of certain older vehicles (including Kei cars) that were imported in compliance with federal standards, thereby expanding the types of vehicles that can be registered in Massachusetts.

Key provisions

  • Amends Chapter 90 of the General Laws by adding Section 64: Vehicles 25 Years or Older; Registration Requirements.
  • Definitions:
    • Kei car: A vehicle primarily manufactured in Japan with a length not exceeding 11 feet, width not exceeding 4.9 feet, height not taller than 6.6 feet, and engine displacement not larger than 660cc.
    • Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS): Federal regulations permitting vehicles 25 years or older from manufacture to be imported and registered in the U.S. if originally manufactured to meet the safety standards of their country of origin, under 49 C.F.R. §§ 571 and 591.
  • Registry obligations:
    • The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) shall honor FMVSS and shall register all vehicles that are 25 years or older as of the date of manufacture that were imported in compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 591, including Kei cars.
  • Administrative policy:
    • The RMV shall develop and implement an updated policy for the registration of Kei cars.
    • The RMV shall honor inspection stickers for all automobiles imported in compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 591.

Definitions and scope

  • Vehicle eligibility hinges on being 25 years or older and imported under the FMVSS framework specified in federal law.
  • Kei cars, as defined, are expressly included within the scope of vehicles eligible for registration under the FMVSS framework if they meet the 25-year age criterion and import rules.

Affected parties

  • Vehicle owners and buyers of 25-year-old vehicles, including Kei cars manufactured in Japan.
  • Importers and dealers handling classic/aged vehicles seeking MA registration.
  • The RMV, which would implement a formal policy to accommodate these vehicles and verify compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 591.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Status history:
    • Referred to the Transportation Committee on February 27, 2025.
    • Hearing scheduled for May 13, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in room B-2.
    • Reported favorably by committee and referred to the House Ways and Means on July 28, 2025.
  • Related filing: Similar matter previously filed as House Docket No. 5357 (2023-2024).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positive: Enables registration and operation of certain older foreign vehicles (notably Kei cars) in Massachusetts, potentially expanding options for enthusiasts and international importers.
  • Administrative: Requires the RMV to establish and publish a clear policy for Kei car registration and ensure compatibility with existing inspection regimes tied to 49 C.F.R. § 591.
  • Safety/emissions: The bill anchors eligibility in FMVSS compliance; it does not create new safety standards but leverages federal exemptions for older vehicles. Local enforcement and registration fees policy would likely follow existing MA practices for older vehicles.

This summary captures the bill’s core objective, key provisions, who it affects, and its anticipated procedural path.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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