Illinois has recently taken decisive action against certain types of vehicles, sparking concern and confusion among car owners and enthusiasts. While proposed bans on gas and diesel vehicles have stalled, the state has moved forward with a crackdown on imported vehicles—particularly those not built to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This article explores which vehicles are now banned, the reasoning behind the bans, and the latest available statistics.
Imported Japanese Vehicles Targeted
Illinois has begun revoking the registrations and license plates of numerous imported vehicles, especially Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars, including but not limited to Kei cars (Japan’s small, lightweight vehicles).
Owners have received letters from the Illinois Secretary of State notifying them that their vehicles’ titles are now marked “Not Eligible For Registration,” and their plates must be surrendered. The state’s actions are not limited to Kei cars—larger JDM vehicles like the Toyota Crown and Nissan Skyline have also been targeted.
Legal Basis for the Ban
The crackdown is based on Illinois’ interpretation of its vehicle code, which requires all vehicles registered for road use to comply with FMVSS. Vehicles not originally manufactured to these standards, such as most imported Japanese vehicles, are deemed unfit for public roads. The state uses statutes like 625 ILCS 5/3-401(c-1)(1) to justify its stance, arguing that vehicles must be built for highway use and meet federal safety requirements.
“Per Illinois, a vehicle not built to FMVSS specs is not legal for road use in the state.”
Scope of the Ban and Enforcement
Who is affected: Owners of imported Japanese vehicles, especially those that do not meet FMVSS.
What happens: Registrations are revoked, titles are branded “off-road only” or “not eligible for registration,” and license plates are recalled.
Potential penalties: In extreme cases, Illinois has allegedly threatened to order the crushing of vehicles deemed illegal for road use, at the owner’s expense.
These measures have created significant uncertainty, as some owners report being able to renew registrations despite receiving off-road-only titles, while others lose all road privileges.
No Official Statewide Statement or Clear Guidance
Unlike some other states, Illinois has not published an official, comprehensive statement about the ban. The enforcement appears inconsistent and, at times, arbitrary, affecting not only Kei cars but also other imported vehicles that have previously been registered legally. This lack of transparency has left many owners in limbo, unsure of their vehicles’ legal status.
Latest Statistics
Registered Vehicles: Illinois has over 3.5 million regular vehicles registered annually.
Affected Imports: Fewer than 8,000 Kei trucks have been imported into Illinois, highlighting that the ban, while impactful for enthusiasts, affects a small fraction of the total vehicle population.
Recent Trends: Reports of revoked registrations and branded titles have increased sharply in the past year, with multiple new cases each week as of mid-2025.
Conclusion
Illinois’ recent enforcement actions have effectively banned a range of imported vehicles—primarily Japanese models that do not comply with FMVSS—from public roads. The move has left thousands of vehicle owners facing uncertainty, financial loss, and, in some cases, the threat of having their vehicles destroyed. With no official statewide guidance and inconsistent application of the rules, the situation remains fluid and contentious. Owners of imported vehicles in Illinois are advised to monitor state communications closely and seek legal counsel if affected.
Source:
[1] https://www.nfib.com/news/news/illinois-proposal-to-ban-gas-diesel-vehicle-sales-stalls/
[2] https://www.theautopian.com/illinois-is-allegedly-threatening-to-crush-legally-imported-cars-it-knows-nothing-about/
[3] https://www.theautopian.com/illinois-wants-to-ban-legally-imported-cars-heres-how-i-plan-to-stop-it/comment-page-1/
[4] https://tax.illinois.gov/research/publications/bulletins/fy-2025-30.html
[5] https://www.theautopian.com/illinois-finally-explains-its-imported-car-ban-and-it-doesnt-make-any-sense/
[6] https://iml.org/newlaws
[7] https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/5979-new-laws-take-effect-in-2025
[8] https://www.dispartilaw.com/new-illinois-laws-2025/
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07mg8_GdbMg
[10] https://rideillinois.org/2025-legislative-priorities/