As part of Illinois’ evolving vehicle regulations aimed at reducing emissions and aligning with environmental goals, new laws have come into effect that ban or restrict specific categories of vehicles.
This includes a controversial ban on many imported vehicles and a phased approach to eliminating the sale of new gas and diesel-powered vehicles by 2035. This article explores which vehicles are affected, the rationale behind the bans, the current status of related legislation, and what drivers in Illinois need to know.
The Imported Vehicle Ban
Earlier in 2025, numerous reports emerged of Illinois revoking license plates and titles for legally imported vehicles, including a broad range of cars beyond just Kei vehicles (small Japanese import trucks). The state’s Secretary of State sent letters notifying owners that their vehicles were “Not Eligible For Registration,” effectively relegating them to off-road use only.
This ban has affected diverse models, from Toyota Crown sedans to Honda Kei trucks, causing owners to lose the ability to legally drive their imports on Illinois roads. The rationale behind this aggressive enforcement remains murky, with little public explanation from Illinois authorities, frustrating owners and enthusiasts alike.
Illinois stands among several states that, since 2021, have imposed bans or heavy restrictions on over-25-year-old imported vehicles, joining states like Maine, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.
Some states have reversed bans after public pressure, but Illinois’ measures are reportedly stricter and implemented more secretly. Enthusiasts have begun organizing efforts to educate lawmakers and seek repeal of these restrictions, citing economic and cultural benefits of keeping such vehicles legal.
Phase-Out of Gasoline & Diesel Vehicles
In parallel, Illinois has been moving toward adopting California’s vehicle emissions standards to combat pollution. Key provisions expected to be enforced by 2035 include:
1.) A ban on sales of new traditional gas- and diesel-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs.
2.) Requirements for governmental fleets to transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
3.) Mandates for new medium and heavy-duty trucks to achieve certain levels of zero-emission sales (e.g., 75% of Class 4-8 trucks must be zero-emission by 2035).
While attempts to pass full adoption of California’s standards have faced opposition from Illinois small business communities, citing cost concerns and competitive disadvantages, the trend remains clear: Illinois aims to phase out fossil fuel vehicles systematically over the next decade.
Latest Statistics and Impacts
The precise number of vehicles affected by the imported car ban remains unclear, but anecdotal reports suggest that hundreds of owners have received notices invalidating their vehicle registrations.
This situation risks decreasing the cultural diversity and niche vehicle markets in Illinois while imposing financial burdens on owners forced to abandon legal use of their cars. Meanwhile, emissions data underscore the urgency of transitioning to electric vehicles, with Illinois aiming to reduce transportation emissions which are a major contributor to statewide pollution.
Legislators and local organizations continue to debate the balance between environmental goals and economic impact. As of mid-2025, small business groups remain critical of the California standards adoption, fearing increased operational costs.
Conclusion
Illinois’ recent vehicle bans represent a significant shift in transportation policy, with immediate impacts on imported vehicle owners and long-term effects for all drivers due to the planned phase-out of gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035. Stakeholders including small businesses, vehicle enthusiasts, and environmental advocates are actively shaping the ongoing debate.
If you own an imported vehicle or a traditional gasoline/diesel car in Illinois, it is vital to stay informed about these laws, understand how they affect your vehicle registration, and participate in local discussions or advocacy efforts to ensure your interests are represented.
This transition marks a balancing act between reducing emissions to protect public health and respecting vehicle owners’ rights—a challenge Illinois will continue to navigate in the coming years.
Source:
[1] https://www.nfib.com/news/news/illinois-proposal-to-ban-gas-diesel-vehicle-sales-stalls/
[2] https://www.theautopian.com/illinois-finally-explains-its-imported-car-ban-and-it-doesnt-make-any-sense/
[3] https://www.nfib.com/news/news/nfib-illinois-opposes-the-vehicle-emissions-standards-adoption/
[4] https://tax.illinois.gov/research/publications/bulletins/fy-2025-30.html
[5] https://iml.org/newlaws
[6] https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/30/new-illinois-laws-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/