A new set of small trucks, now restricted to off-road use, will have the state approval to pass through on some Arkansas highways if House Bill 1148 finds its approach into law.

As said by a bill’s sponsor, Steve Cole, D-Lockesburg, granting the Japanese Mini Trucks have the capability to drive on smooth roads will give farmers and ranchers a reasonable alternative to pick up small loads at feed stores and other places off the farm or ranch.

The motor vehicles are mostly manufactured in Japan and other overseas nations, have three-cylinder engines, can bear payloads of up to 800 pounds and often get as much as 45 miles per gallon. They generally have four-wheel drive ability, but are sturdier built than all-terrain vehicles because they have enclosed cabs. Many have heating and air-conditioning as well as seat belts, turn signals and other safety attributes, including an air bag.

A Japanese Mini Truck from a De Queen dealership, Twin Rivers ATV LLC, was parked outside the state Capitol on Tuesday as part of the attempt to win support for the bill.

The Second-Hand Japanese Mini Trucks sell for about $5,000, said Sherri Anderson a used Vehicle dealer.

“They’ve been very popular [with] ergonomically good designs for farms and ranches,” she said, adding that they had a heavier payload than another option for off-road use, all-terrain vehicles.

Rep. John C. Edwards, D-Little Rock, evoked his trip of military duty in Iraq in heartily endorsing the bill. According to him one of the few things that operated competently was Japanese Micro Trucks in Iraq. The House Public Transportation Committee gave the bill a do-pass reference. It now goes to the House.

Under the bill, the Japanese Mini Trucks would be a division 8 vehicle, which carry limited farm or natural-resources tags. Theses Japanese Motor Vehicle holders would be required to present state revenue officials with an agenda of their purpose and use on state highways, Cole said. The Japanese mini trucks also wouldn’t be allowed on interstates or any other highway with a posted speed limit exceeding 55 mph. And whoever drives them must have a driver’s license and carry insurance for the automobile.

The Japanese Vehicles are ideal for small tasks that occasionally take farmers and ranchers off their land.

Cole has a farmer in Lockesburg and a need to pick up feed at neighboring cooperative that’s 12 miles away. It’s very inexpensive to use a Japanese mini truck to go over there and come back. Cole dismissed objections about how safe the Japanese vehicles would be on state highways.