Street Legal No More: Delica Vans Now Off-Road Only in Michigan

The Great Lakes State thinks the Mitsubishi Delica is a tiny micro van and, therefore, not street legal. That’s what Michigan-based Delica owners are discovering.

A letter saying as much (shown below) was first posted in the MDOC: Mitsubishi Delica Owners Club USA Facebook group. The letter specifically states:

“Michigan Department of State (MDOS) records indicate you were issued a title for the above-referenced vehicle. Unfortunately, an error has been discovered on your title. Michigan requires a ‘mini truck’ to be titled as an off-road vehicle (ORV).” 

The Delica is not a mini truck. In fact, calling the Delica a mini truck is like saying a shot of espresso is like a large coffee. Sure, they’re both coffee drinks, but they’re quite different from each other. 

The MDOS goes on to say the recommendation comes from the direction of the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) and its opinion of mini trucks. That’s all well and good, but the Delica is not small.

That goes for both the 1986+ Delica Star Wagon (L300) and 1994-2007 Delica Space Gear (L400). In fact, they’re about the same size as a modern minivan, such as a Chrysler Pacifica or Toyota Sienna. I should know: I’ve owned an L300 and L400.

Size Matters

The MDOS — which apparently has never seen a Mitsubishi Delica in person — provides examples of “similar” mini trucks and micro vans. They include the Suzuki Carry, Subaru Sambar, Honda ACTY, Mazda Scrum, and Daihatsu Hijet. All of these are indeed mini trucks and micro vans.

These vehicles fall into the Japanese kei car designation. The problem? The Delica is not a kei car. Its height, width, engine displacement, and power output are all far greater than any kei car. Kei cars must fall under this category in Japan:

• Max engine displacement: 660 cc (40.3 cu. in.)
• Max power: 64 PS (63 horsepower)
• Max length: 3.4 m (134 in.)
• Max width: 1.48 m (58.3 in.)
• Max height: 2.0 m (78.7 in.)

All Delica vans — from their inception in 1968 — exceed kei car specs. Delicas are not kei cars, mini trucks, or micro vans.

What About the 25-Year Rule?

You may be thinking — hey, what about the 25-year import rule? The MDOS addresses this and even mentions the fact you can import a vehicle that wasn’t ever sold here so long as it’s 25 years of age or older. However, correctly, it alludes to the fact that this is a federal law, and registration is up to each individual state’s discretion.

Specifically, MDOS states: “The 25 year or more distinction relates to the importation of the mini truck…” and “For purposes of titling the vehicle in Michigan, the age of the vehicle does not change the determination that the vehicle should be titled as off-road only.”

But there’s the little misnomer: mini truck. Did I mention the Delica isn’t a mini truck?

The letter goes on to say there isn’t any upgrade available to make these “mini trucks” or “micro vans” able to meet U.S. EPA or U.S. DOT safety standards. This is despite the federal rule stating they don’t have to. But again, registration is a state issue, not a federal one.

Michigan vs. Maine: The Difference

The difference between the Maine case and the Michigan situation is that Michigan will allow you to transfer the plate to a different vehicle, or you may be eligible for a prorated refund for the remainder of the vehicle’s registration. However, Michigan wants owners to send the “incorrect” title back in a provided self-addressed stamped envelope.

Why Are Delicas Being Targeted?

The Mitsubishi Delica is continually targeted in these registration witch hunts. In my research over the years, I haven’t heard of other full-size JDM vehicles getting these deregistration letters. Toyota Hiace van owners aren’t getting notifications. Mazda Bongo van owners seem to be immune.

Similarly, other gray-market vehicles aren’t being told to give their titles back. This includes U.K.-market Land Rovers, JDM Nissan Skylines, or pretty much everything else that isn’t a kei vehicle. (Kei vehicles have not been able to be registered in multiple states, and have also faced deregistration in recent years.)

In this latest instance, it seems like Michigan simply doesn’t know what a Delica actually is. You might say it’s a minivan, but it most certainly does not fall in line with the example the MDOS provides. 

I’ll keep an eye on this and report back with any updates.

The Ultimate Mitsubishi Delica Van Guide

If you’re looking for a cool camper, or an adventure-ready van, the Mitsubishi Delica might be the ticket. Read more…

Save the Delica Vans! Maine Bill Looks to Reinstate Revoked Registrations

Read more…