small special-purpose vehicle
A legal category under Japanese road traffic law for compact motorized vehicles used for specific tasks, such as small construction machinery, agricultural equipment, or certain types of forklifts. Not a general term for any small vehicle.
Small special-purpose vehicles include small forklifts and snowplows.
This agricultural machine is classified as a small special-purpose vehicle, so a license is required to drive it on public roads.
Compound of 小型 (small type), 特殊 (special), and 自動車 (motor vehicle). A modern legal term with no historical derivation issues.