KRS ch. 186 | Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 186 — Licensing of Motor Vehicles, Operators, and Trailers

Title XVI — Motor Vehicles

Includes enactments through the 2026 Regular Session.

The KRS database was last updated on 2026-08-31.

Title XVI Motor Vehicles

Chapter 186 Licensing of Motor Vehicles, Operators, and Trailers

General Provisions General Provisions

186.005 Policy on regulation and registration of vehicles -- License plates.

(1) It is declared to be the policy of this Commonwealth that all vehicles should be regulated, registered, and the laws pertaining thereto be administered by the Transportation Cabinet. Motor vehicles other than commercial vehicles should be registered, regulated, and controlled by the Transportation Cabinet and the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.

(2) All motor vehicles registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(1) shall be on an annual basis and evidenced by a license plate whose registration designation is a combination of letters of the alphabet and Arabic numerical digits. These registration plates shall be issued for use during a multiyear period and validated for continued use the following year, or years, by affixing an appropriate insignia of plastic or adhesive material bearing the date of the new year.

(3) Unless otherwise specified, all motor vehicles shall have registration plates issued for use during a multiyear period and validated for continued use the following year, by affixing an appropriate insignia of plastic or adhesive material bearing the date of the new year.

(4) The Transportation Cabinet may promulgate regulations and prepare the proper insignia and forms, which forms shall include information required by the Transportation Cabinet.

Effective: June 29, 2021

History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 53, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 189, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 132, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 1, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 94, sec. 1, effective June 19, 1976; and ch. 133, sec. 3, effective June 19, 1976; Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art IV, sec. 20(9); and ch. 226, sec. 1; and ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(9). -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 168. -- Created 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 2.

186.010 Definitions for chapter.

As used in this chapter, unless otherwise indicated:

(1) "Cabinet," as used in KRS 186.400 to 186.640, means the Transportation Cabinet; except as specifically designated, "cabinet," as used in KRS 186.020 to 186.270, means the Transportation Cabinet only with respect to motor vehicles, other than commercial vehicles; "cabinet," as used in KRS 186.020 to 186.270, means the Department of Vehicle Regulation when used with respect to commercial vehicles;

(2) "Highway" means every way or place of whatever nature when any part of it is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, license, or privilege, for the purpose of vehicular traffic;

(3) "Manufacturer" means any person engaged in manufacturing motor vehicles who will, under normal conditions during the year, manufacture or assemble at least ten

(10) new motor vehicles;

(4) "Motor vehicle" means in KRS 186.020 to 186.260, all vehicles, as defined in subsection (8)(a) of this section, which are propelled otherwise than by muscular power. As used in KRS 186.400 to 186.640, it means all vehicles, as defined in subsection (8)(b) of this section, which are self-propelled. "Motor vehicle" shall not include a moped as defined in this section, but for registration purposes shall include low-speed vehicles and military surplus vehicles as defined in this section and vehicles operating under KRS 189.283;

(5) "Moped" means either a motorized bicycle whose frame design may include one (1) or more horizontal crossbars supporting a fuel tank so long as it also has pedals, or a motorized bicycle with a step-through type frame which may or may not have pedals rated no more than two (2) brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty (50) cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged, and capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour;

(6) "Operator" means any person in actual control of a motor vehicle upon a highway;

(7) (a) "Owner" means a person who holds the legal title of a vehicle or a person who pursuant to a bona fide sale has received physical possession of the vehicle subject to any applicable security interest.

(b) A vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease, with the vendee or lessee entitled to possession of the vehicle, upon performance of the contract terms, for a period of three hundred sixty-five (365) days or more and with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee, or if a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, the conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner.

(c) A licensed motor vehicle dealer who transfers physical possession of a motor vehicle to a purchaser pursuant to a bona fide sale, and complies with the requirements of KRS 186A.220, shall not be deemed the owner of that motor vehicle solely due to an assignment to his dealership or a certificate of title in the dealership's name. Rather, under these circumstances, ownership shall transfer upon delivery of the vehicle to the purchaser, subject to any applicable security interest;

(8) (a) "Vehicle," as used in KRS 186.020 to 186.260, includes all agencies for the transportation of persons or property over or upon the public highways of this Commonwealth and all vehicles passing over or upon said highways, except electric low-speed scooters, road rollers, road graders, farm tractors, vehicles on which power shovels are mounted, such other construction equipment customarily used only on the site of construction and which is not practical for the transportation of persons or property upon the highways, such vehicles as travel exclusively upon rails, and such vehicles as are propelled by electric power obtained from overhead wires while being operated within any municipality or where said vehicles do not travel more than five (5) miles beyond the city limit of any municipality.

(b) As used in KRS 186.400 to 186.640, "vehicle" means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, except electric low-speed scooters, devices moved by human and animal power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks, or which derives its power from overhead wires;

(9) KRS 186.020 to 186.270 apply to motor vehicle licenses. KRS 186.400 to 186.640 apply to operator's licenses;

(10) "Dealer" means any person engaging in the business of buying or selling motor vehicles;

(11) "Commercial vehicles" means all motor vehicles that are required to be registered under the terms of KRS 186.050, but not including vehicles primarily designed for carrying passengers and having provisions for not more than nine (9) passengers (including driver), motorcycles, sidecar attachments, pickup trucks and passenger vans which are not being used for commercial or business purposes, and motor vehicles registered under KRS 186.060;

(12) "Resident" means any person who has established Kentucky as his or her state of domicile. Proof of residency shall include but not be limited to a deed or property tax bill, utility agreement or utility bill, or rental housing agreement. The possession by an operator of a vehicle of a valid Kentucky operator's license shall be prima- facie evidence that the operator is a resident of Kentucky;

(13) "Special status individual" means:

(a) "Asylee" means any person lawfully present in the United States who possesses an I-94 card issued by the United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, on which it states "asylum status granted indefinitely pursuant to Section 208 of the Immigration & Nationality Act";

(b) "K-1 status" means the status of any person lawfully present in the United States who has been granted permission by the United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying a United States citizen within ninety (90) days from the date of that entry;

(c) "Refugee" means any person lawfully present in the United States who possesses an I-94 card issued by the United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, on which it states "admitted as a refugee pursuant to Section 207 of the Immigration & Nationality Act"; and

(d) "Paroled in the Public Interest" means any person lawfully present in the United States who possesses an I-94 card issued by the United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, on which it states "paroled pursuant to Section 212 of the Immigration & Nationality Act for an indefinite period of time";

(14) "Instruction permit" includes both motor vehicle instruction permits and motorcycle instruction permits;

(15) "Motorcycle" means any motor driven vehicle that has a maximum speed that exceeds fifty (50) miles per hour, has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator, and is designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground, including vehicles on which the operator and passengers ride in an enclosed

cab. Only for purposes of registration, "motorcycle" shall include a motor scooter, an alternative-speed motorcycle, and an autocycle as defined in this section, but shall not include a tractor or a moped as defined in this section;

(16) "Low-speed vehicle" means a motor vehicle that:

(a) Is self-propelled using an electric motor, combustion-driven motor, or a combination thereof;

(b) Is four (4) wheeled; and

(17) "Alternative-speed motorcycle" means a motorcycle that:

(a) Is self-propelled using an electric motor;

(b) Is three (3) wheeled;

(d) Is designed to operate at a speed not to exceed forty (40) miles per hour as certified by the manufacturer; and

(e) Is not an autocycle as defined in this section;

(18) "Multiple-vehicle driving range" means an enclosed area that is not part of a highway or otherwise open to the public on which a number of motor vehicles may be used simultaneously to provide driver training under the supervision of one (1) or more driver training instructors;

(19) "Autocycle" means any motor vehicle that:

(a) Is equipped with a seat that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride it;

(b) Is designed to travel on three (3) wheels in contact with the ground;

(d) Allows the operator and passenger to ride either side-by-side or in tandem in a seating area that may be enclosed with a removable or fixed top;

(e) Is equipped with a three (3) point safety belt system;

(f) May be equipped with a manufacturer-installed air bags or a roll cage;

(g) Is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and pedals; and

(h) Is not an alternative-speed motorcycle as defined in this section;

(20) "Military surplus vehicle" means a multipurpose wheeled surplus military vehicle that:

(a) Is not operated using continuous tracks;

(b) Was originally manufactured for and sold directly to the Armed Forces of the United States; and

(21) "Livestock" means cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, alpacas, llamas, buffaloes, and any other animals of the bovine, ovine, porcine, caprine, equine, or camelid species;

(22) "Identity document" means an instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card issued under KRS 186.4102, 186.412, 186.4121, 186.4122, and 186.4123 or a commercial driver's license issued under KRS Chapter 281A;

(23) "Travel ID," as it refers to an identity document, means a document that complies with Pub. L. No. 109-13, Title II;

(24) "Motor scooter" means a low-speed motorcycle that is:

(a) Equipped with wheels greater than sixteen (16) inches in diameter;

(b) Equipped with an engine greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters;

(d) Equipped with brake horsepower of two (2) or greater; and

(e) Equipped with a step-through frame or a platform for the operator's feet;

(25) "Alternative technology," as used in KRS 186.400 to 186.640, means methods used by the cabinet to facilitate the issuance of operator's licenses and personal identification cards outside of the normal in-person application at a cabinet office, including but not limited to a cabinet mobile unit or online services;

(26) "Electric motorcycle" means the same as "motorcycle" or "motor scooter" as defined in this section, that is powered by a:

(a) Battery or equivalent energy storage device that can be charged with an electric plug using an external electricity source; or

(b) Combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motor;

(27) "Electric vehicle" means any vehicle that has plug-in charging capability, regardless of whether the vehicle is powered by:

(a) An electric motor only; or

(b) A combination of an internal combustion engine and electric power; and

(28) "Manufactured home" has the same meaning as in KRS 227.550.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 43, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 166, sec. 18, effective January 1, 2025. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 212, sec. 30, effective January 1, 2024. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 26, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 55, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2017; ch. 69, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2017; ch. 100, sec. 35, effective January 1, 2019; ch. 129, sec. 8, effective June 29, 2017; and ch. 184, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 16, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2012. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 103, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2009. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 2001 Ky. Acts ch. 43, sec. 2, effective June 21, 2001. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 287, sec. 1, effective January 1, 1989. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 431, sec. 7, effective January 1, 1987. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 349, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IX, sec. 20(2), (7), (9). -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 2, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 1, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1956 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 7, Art. X, sec. 10, effective September 1, 1956. - - Amended 1950 Ky. Acts ch. 190, secs. 1 and 2, effective June 15, 1950. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739g-1, 2739m-33.

186.014 Branch offices for processing titling and registration transactions.

In any county, the county clerk may maintain branch offices for the purpose of processing motor vehicle titling and registration transactions.

Effective: June 29, 2023

History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 8, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2023. -- Created 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 55, sec. 2, effective June 18, 1970.

186.015 Repealed, 1966.

[Repealed]

186.016 Cabinet may prescribe methods of record keeping.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the cabinet may by regulation prescribe methods of record keeping and reporting by the county clerk to the cabinet.

Effective: June 17, 1978

History: Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 329, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 19, effective June 19, 1976.

186.017 Transportation Cabinet to establish fees relating to titling and registering motor vehicles by administrative regulation.

The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to establish fees to be paid to the cabinet and county clerks for services provided in the process of titling and registering motor vehicles under this chapter and KRS Chapter 186A.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Created 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2026.

186.018 Driving history records of operators -- Fees.

(1) For purposes of maintaining driving history records of operators of motor vehicles of the Commonwealth, the files of the Transportation Cabinet shall be used to ascertain the driving history record of each person who is licensed to operate a motor vehicle within the Commonwealth.

(2) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, the Transportation Cabinet shall destroy, and shall not maintain, records of moving traffic convictions that are more than ten (10) years old.

(3) For any licensee who now holds, who has applied for, or has ever held a commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit issued pursuant to KRS 281A.120 or 281A.170, the cabinet shall keep conviction records indefinitely.

(4) The Transportation Cabinet shall not release information on the driving history record of a person under the age of twenty-one (21) whose operator license has been suspended pursuant to KRS 189A.010(6). The cabinet shall destroy, and shall not maintain, the record of the suspension of a person's operator's license if the license was suspended pursuant to KRS 189A.010(6), within five (5) working days of the person's operator's license being reinstated. This subsection shall not apply to a person who holds, or is required to hold, a commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit.

(5) The cabinet shall charge a fee of three dollars ($3) for any driving history record, ten cents ($0.10) of which shall be deposited in a special account within the road fund to be used exclusively by the Transportation Cabinet for the state driver education program as designated in KRS 186.535.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 193, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 17, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 165, sec. 2, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 467, sec. 20, effective October 1, 2000. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 11, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 274, sec. 9, effective April 7, 1992. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 455, sec. 28, effective July 13, 1990. -- Created 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 434, sec. 3, effective June 17, 1978.

Motor Vehicle Licenses Motor Vehicle Licenses

186.020 Registration requirement -- Application for registration -- Application and other documents to be sent to Transportation Cabinet -- Renewal by mail -- Extension of renewal period for military personnel stationed outside United States -- Exceptions. (Effective until January 1, 2027)

(1) Before the owner of a motor vehicle, or street-legal special purpose vehicle as defined in KRS 186.077, may operate it or permit its operation upon a highway, the owner shall apply for registration in accordance with administrative regulations promulgated by the cabinet, except that a person who purchases a motor vehicle, or brings a motor vehicle into the Commonwealth from another state shall make application for registration within fifteen (15) days. The bill of sale or assigned title must be in the motor vehicle during this fifteen (15) day period. If the owner of a motor vehicle is an individual and resides in the Commonwealth, the motor vehicle shall be registered with the county clerk of the county in which he or she resides. If the owner of a motor vehicle does not reside in the Commonwealth, the motor vehicle shall be registered with the county clerk of the county in which the motor vehicle is principally operated. If the owner of a motor vehicle is other than an individual and resides in the Commonwealth, the motor vehicle shall be registered with the county clerk of either county. The application when presented to the county clerk for registration shall be accompanied by:

(a) A bill of sale and a manufacturer's certificate of origin if the application is for the registration of a new motor vehicle;

(b) The owner's registration receipt, if the motor vehicle was last registered in this state;

(c) A bill of sale and the previous registration receipt, if last registered in another state where the law of that state does not require the owner of a motor vehicle to obtain a certificate of title or ownership;

(d) A certificate of title, if last registered in another state where the law of that state requires the owner of a motor vehicle to obtain a certificate of title or ownership;

(e) An affidavit from an officer of a local government saying that the motor vehicle has been abandoned and that the provisions of KRS 82.630 have been complied with, for local governments which elect to use the provisions of KRS 82.600 to 82.640;

(f) The application from a person who has brought a motor vehicle into the Commonwealth from another state shall be accompanied by proof that the motor vehicle is insured in compliance with KRS 304.39-080; and

(g) Proof of insurance in compliance with KRS 186.077 if the application is for the registration of a street-legal special purpose vehicle.

(2) After that, except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the owner of any motor vehicle registered under KRS 186.050(1) or (2) shall register his or her motor vehicle on or before the date on which his or her certificate of registration expires. If, before operating the motor vehicle in this state, the owner registers it at some later date and pays the fee for the full year, he or she will be deemed to have complied with the law. Insofar as the owner is concerned, registration with the clerk shall be deemed to be registration with the cabinet.

(3) After that, the owner of any commercial vehicle registered under KRS 186.050(3) to (14) shall register the commercial vehicle on or before April 1 of each year. If, before operating a commercial vehicle in this state, the owner registers it at some later date and pays the required fee, he or she will be deemed to have complied with the law. Insofar as the owner is concerned, registration with the clerk shall be deemed to be registration with the cabinet, except the owner of any commercial motor vehicle to be registered pursuant to the International Registration Plan under KRS 186.050(13) shall register the commercial motor vehicles on or before the last day of the month of registration established pursuant to KRS 186.051(3).

(4) The application and documents presented for registration, including the sheriff's certificate of inspection, shall, along with the Transportation Cabinet copy of the certificate of title or registration, be sent to the Transportation Cabinet by the clerk.

(5) At least forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of registration of any motor vehicle previously registered in the Commonwealth as provided by KRS 186A.035, the owner of the vehicle shall be notified on the same notice required by KRS 134.805(5) of the date of expiration. In addition, the department shall provide appropriate forms and information to permit renewal of motor vehicle registration to be completed by mail. Any registration renewal by mail shall require payment of an additional two dollar ($2) fee which shall be received by the county clerk. Nonreceipt of the notice under this subsection shall not constitute a defense to any registration related offense.

(6) (a) If an individual has been serving in the United States military stationed or assigned to a base or other location outside the boundaries of the United States, he or she shall renew the registration on the vehicle within thirty (30) days of his or her return if:

The motor vehicle has been stored on a military base during the time of deployment and has not been operated on the public highways during that time; and
The vehicle's registration expired during the individual's absence.

(b) An individual who meets the criteria in paragraph (a) of this subsection shall not be convicted or cited for driving a vehicle with expired registration within thirty (30) days after the individual's return to the Commonwealth if the individual can provide proof of meeting the eligibility criteria under paragraph

(a) of this subsection.

(a) of this subsection when applying to renew the registration on the motor vehicle, the county clerk shall, when applicable, treat the registration as a prorated renewal under KRS 186.051, and charge the individual a registration fee only for the number of months of the registration year the vehicle will be used on the public highways.

(7) The provisions of this section shall not apply to vehicles or manufactured homes for which permanent registration has been obtained pursuant to KRS 186A.127.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 3, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 18, sec. 16, effective January 1, 2024. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 65, effective January 1, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 252, Pt. XXVIII, sec. 14, effective April 25, 2006. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998; and ch. 565, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 97, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1996; and ch. 341, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 363, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 431, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 416, sec. 9, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 203, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 4, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2). -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 3, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 1, effective January 1, 1960. -- Amended 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 1. - - Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739g-2a, 2739g-9.

186.020 Registration requirement -- Application for registration -- Application and other documents to be sent to Transportation Cabinet -- Renewal by mail -- Extension of renewal period for military personnel stationed outside United States -- Exceptions. (Effective January 1, 2027)

(a) A bill of sale and a manufacturer's certificate of origin if the application is for the registration of a new motor vehicle;

(b) The owner's registration receipt, if the motor vehicle was last registered in this state;

(d) A certificate of title, if last registered in another state where the law of that state requires the owner of a motor vehicle to obtain a certificate of title or ownership;

(g) Proof of insurance in compliance with KRS 186.077 if the application is for the registration of a street-legal special purpose vehicle.

(5) At least forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of registration of any motor vehicle previously registered in the Commonwealth as provided by KRS 186A.035, the owner of the vehicle shall be notified on the same notice required by KRS 134.805(5) of the date of expiration. In addition, the department shall provide appropriate forms and information to permit renewal of motor vehicle registration to be completed by mail. Any registration renewal by mail shall require payment of an additional fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017, and retained by the county clerk. Nonreceipt of the notice under this subsection shall not constitute a defense to any registration related offense.

The motor vehicle has been stored on a military base during the time of deployment and has not been operated on the public highways during that time; and
The vehicle's registration expired during the individual's absence.

(a) of this subsection.

(7) The provisions of this section shall not apply to vehicles or manufactured homes for which permanent registration has been obtained pursuant to KRS 186A.127.

Effective: January 1, 2027

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2026; and ch. 135, sec. 37, effective January 1, 2027. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 3, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 18, sec. 16, effective January 1, 2024. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 65, effective January 1, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 252, Pt. XXVIII, sec. 14, effective April 25, 2006. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998; and ch. 565, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 97, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1996; and ch. 341, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 363, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 431, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 416, sec. 9, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 203, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 4, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2). -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 3, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 1, effective January 1, 1960. -- Amended 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 1. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739g-2a, 2739g-9.

Legislative Research Commission Note (1/1/2027). This statute was amended by 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, secs. 6 and 37, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

186.021 Issuance of replacement plate, decal, registration certificate, or renewal for motor vehicle on which ad valorem taxes are delinquent or which is uninsured -- Option of purchaser to pay delinquent taxes.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a county clerk shall not issue a replacement plate, decal, or registration certificate as provided in KRS 186.180, or a registration for renewal to any person who on January 1 of any year owned a motor vehicle on which state, county, city, urban-county government, school, or special taxing district ad valorem taxes are delinquent.

(2) (a) Pursuant to KRS 134.810(4), the owner as defined in KRS 186.010(7)(a) and

(b) A person other than the owner of record who applies to a county clerk to transfer the registration of a motor vehicle may pay any delinquent ad valorem taxes due on the motor vehicle to facilitate the county clerk's transferring registration of the motor vehicle.

(c) The person applying shall not be required to pay delinquent ad valorem taxes due on any other motor vehicle owned by the owner of record from which he is purchasing his motor vehicle as a condition of registration.

(3) (a) A county clerk shall not issue a replacement plate, decal, or registration certificate as provided in KRS 186.180, or a registration renewal for any motor vehicle that is not insured in compliance with KRS 304.39-080.

(b) Each applicant for registration renewal shall present proof of compliance to the county clerk in a manner prescribed in administrative regulations issued by the Department of Insurance.

Effective: June 27, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 4, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 233, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 130, sec. 6, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 316, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 20, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 113, sec. 7, effective December 31, 1988. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 54, sec. 8, effective January 1, 1985; ch. 129, sec. 1, effective January 1, 1985; and ch. 391, sec. 7, effective January 1, 1985. -- Created 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 14, effective January 1, 1984.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2002). The amendments made to subsection (2) of this statute in 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 316, sec. 1, "shall apply for tax assessments made on or after January 1, 2003." 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 316, sec. 5.

186.023 Title and registration cancelled upon notice of transfer from another jurisdiction.

The Transportation Cabinet shall cancel the registration and title of any motor vehicle registered or titled in Kentucky within thirty (30) days following receipt of notification from another jurisdiction that the Kentucky title issued for such motor vehicle has been surrendered.

Effective: December 31, 1988

History: Created 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 113, sec. 6, effective December 31, 1988.

186.025 Cabinet to furnish list of owners of registered vehicles to Department of Revenue.

Effective January 1, 1981, the Transportation Cabinet shall, by April 1 of each year, provide the Department of Revenue with a listing of all owners of motor vehicles registered in Kentucky on an anniversary basis under KRS 186.051 as of the preceding January 1. The listing shall be by counties and shall contain, in addition to the name of the owners, the owners' addresses, and the make, model and year of all vehicles owned by the registrants. The county clerk shall continue to provide copies of motor vehicle registration certificates on all motor vehicles not registered under the provisions of KRS 186.051.

Effective: June 20, 2005

History: Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 605, effective June 20, 2005. -- Created 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 233, sec. 3, effective June 17, 1978.

186.030 Form of application.

(1) The application form shall contain spaces for the names and post office addresses of the owner and of the lien holder as shown by chattel mortgage, or other instrument construed as such in this state, on file in the office of the county clerk in the county in which the motor vehicle is registered, and such other information as the cabinet may require. If the motor vehicle is a truck designed for the transportation of property, the application form shall contain space for the declared gross weight in pounds. The declared gross weight shall be the weight of the vehicle and the heaviest load that the vehicle will be used to carry at any time on the highways.

(2) The application, when completed, shall be presented to the county clerk and accompanied by the appropriate fee.

Effective: January 1, 1960

History: Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 2, effective January 1, 1960. -- Amended 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 2. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 15, sec. 2. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 96, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-2b.

186.032 Voluntary inclusion of information that an owner, lesser, or operator of a motor vehicle is deaf or hard of hearing or has a communication disorder in Kentucky vehicle registration system database -- Deaf or hard of hearing protection trust fund -- Notice of availability of database designation.

(1) As used in this section, "communication disorder" means a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication with a peace officer.

(2) The owner or lessee of a motor vehicle may inform the county clerk that he or she, or someone who may be operating the vehicle, is deaf or hard of hearing and request that information be included in the Kentucky vehicle registration system database to assist law enforcement in identifying the operator of the vehicle as possibly being deaf or hard of hearing.

(3) The owner or lessee of a motor vehicle may inform the county clerk that he or she, or someone who may be operating the vehicle, has a communication disorder and request that information be included in the Kentucky vehicle registration system database to assist law enforcement in identifying the operator of the vehicle as possibly having a communication disorder.

(4) (a) The deaf or hard of hearing protection trust fund is created as a separate trust fund in the State Treasury. The trust fund shall consist of any proceeds from gifts, grants, contributions, appropriations, or other moneys made available for the purposes of the trust fund.

(b) The fund shall be administered by the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

(c) Notwithstanding KRS 45.229, trust fund amounts not expended at the close of a fiscal year shall not lapse but shall be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

(d) Any interest earnings of the trust fund shall become part of the trust fund and shall not lapse.

(e) Trust fund moneys deposited in this fund shall only be used to:

Reimburse the Transportation Cabinet for the cost of including information that someone is deaf or hard of hearing or has a communication disorder in the Kentucky vehicle registration system database;
Support other actions to protect the safety and welfare of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or have a communication disorder; and
Educate the public, the deaf and hard of hearing community, and the communication disorder community on issues confronting the deaf and hard of hearing and those with communication disorders.

(5) (a) Every county clerk shall post a permanent notice containing information about the availability of a deaf or hard of hearing or a communication disorder designation in the Kentucky vehicle registration database. The notice shall be printed in bold face type of sufficient point size to be read from a distance of at least three (3) feet. The notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place to ensure that every person who enters the county clerk's office will readily see the notice.

(b) The Transportation Cabinet shall put information on its Web site about the availability of a deaf or hard of hearing or a communication disorder designation in the Kentucky vehicle registration database.

Effective: January 1, 2024

History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2024. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2017.

186.035 Repealed, 1962.

[Repealed]

186.038 Authorized methods of payment -- Status of fees charged to a county clerk.

(1) In addition to any payment method authorized by law and notwithstanding any statute to the contrary, a county clerk may accept the following methods of payment to collect taxes, state fees, and county clerk fees under this chapter and KRS Chapters 138 and 186A:

(a) Credit card;

(b) Debit card;

(d) Automated clearinghouse (ACH) debit; or

(e) Any other electronic payment method upon the prior written approval of both the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the State Treasurer.

(2) (a) Any fees charged to a county clerk by the provider of the payment services listed in subsection (1) of this section shall be deemed to represent collection expenses and may be considered normal operating expenses of the county clerk, or the county clerk may collect convenience fees from users to recover their costs of delivering services.

(b) Any fee that is charged by a county clerk pursuant to this section shall, as to the payor, be deemed an additional amount of the taxes, state fees, and county clerk fees collected and not a collection expense, separate fee, or separate charge.

(3) In addition to any payment method authorized by law and notwithstanding any statute to the contrary, a county clerk may pay internal clerk's office accounts, the Transportation Cabinet, other state agencies, and taxing districts using automated clearinghouse (ACH) debit.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Created 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 11, effective July 15, 2026.

186.040 Issuance of certificate of registration -- Plates -- Clerk's fee -- Donations to child care assistance account -- Additional fees and distribution. (Effective until January 1, 2027)

(1) (a) Upon receiving the application and fee, the county clerk shall issue to the owner a certificate of registration containing the information required by subsection (2) of this section and a registration plate.

(b) If the cabinet finds that there is a shortage of materials suitable for making plates, or that a substantial saving will result, it may require by an administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A and with the approval of the Governor that the previously issued plates continue to be used for a designated period.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section and in KRS 186.162, for services performed, the owner shall pay the county clerk the sum of six dollars ($6) for each registration, or if the registration exceeds a twelve (12) month period, the clerk shall receive a fee of nine dollars ($9).

(2) The certificate of registration shall contain the registration number, the name and post office address of the owner, and such other information as the cabinet may require.

(3) Thirty dollars ($30) of the registration fee under KRS 186.050 for a motor vehicle that has a declared gross vehicle weight with any towed unit of forty-four thousand and one (44,001) pounds or greater shall be distributed to the county clerk of the county where the vehicle is registered.

(4) (a) Any person requesting a certificate of registration or renewal of registration of any type of motor vehicle shall have the opportunity to donate one dollar ($1) to the child care assistance account.

(b) The one dollar ($1) donation shall be added to the regular fee for vehicle registration.

(d) Donation to the child care assistance account shall be voluntary and may be refused by the applicant at the time of the issuance or renewal of any vehicle registration.

(5) (a) The county clerk may retain five percent (5%) of fees collected for the child care assistance account under subsection (4) of this section.

(b) The remaining funds shall be deposited into a trust and agency account in the State Treasury to the credit of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the exclusive use as follows:

Funds shall be made available to the agencies that administer child care subsidy funds; and
Funds shall be used as determined by the cabinet for working families whose income exceeds the state income eligibility limits for child day care assistance.

(6) (a) Except as provided in KRS 186.162, in addition to the registration fee provided for county clerks in subsections (1) and (3) of this section, an additional three dollars ($3) per registration shall be collected at the time of registration.

(b) This additional fee shall be distributed as follows:

One dollar ($1) shall be placed in an agency fund to provide additional funds exclusively for technological improvements or replacement of the AVIS system. The operation and maintenance of AVIS shall remain as currently provided for from the operational budget of the Transportation Cabinet and shall not be reduced below the 2005-2006 funding level;
One dollar ($1) shall be placed in an agency trust fund to provide funds exclusively for technological improvements to the hardware and software in county clerk offices related to the collection and administration of road fund taxes. The cabinet, in consultation with county clerks, shall allocate funds as necessary from this fund to be used for this exclusive purpose; and
One dollar ($1) shall be placed in a trust fund to be maintained by the cabinet to provide an unrestricted revenue supplement, for operations of the office related to the collection and administration of road fund taxes, to county clerk offices in counties containing a population of less than twenty thousand (20,000), as determined by the decennial census, and for no other purpose. Annually, by March 1, the cabinet shall calculate the amount collected in the previous calendar year and distribute the entire fund proportionate to each county that qualifies under this paragraph based on population. This revenue shall be considered current year revenue when paid to the clerk and shall not be identified as excess fees from the previous year.

(7) Any motor vehicle registration cancelled for nonrenewal shall be subject to the provisions of KRS 186.181.

(8) (a) The owner of a motor vehicle for which the registration has been cancelled under this section, or revoked under KRS 186A.040(5)(b), shall be subject to a reinstatement fee of forty dollars ($40), payable to the county clerk.

(b) The county clerk shall retain twenty dollars ($20) of the reinstatement fee and forward the remaining twenty dollars ($20) to the cabinet.

(c) The portion of the reinstatement fee received by the cabinet under this subsection as a result of a revocation under KRS 186A.040(5)(b) shall be placed in an agency fund to provide additional funds exclusively for the establishment, implementation, operation, maintenance, and any necessary improvements or replacement of the accessible online insurance verification system established under KRS 186A.040.

Effective: June 27, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 5, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 23, effective July 15, 2024; and ch. 198, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2025. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 7, effective January 1, 2007. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 144, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 41, effective July 1, 2003. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 544, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 118, sec. 102, effective July 1, 1987. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 37, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 375, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 40, Part IV, sec. 1. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 4, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 1. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 3, effective January 1, 1960. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 78, secs. 4 and 9. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-10.

186.040 Issuance of certificate of registration -- Plates -- Clerk's fee -- Donations to child care assistance account -- Additional fees and distribution. (Effective January 1, 2027)

(c) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section and in KRS 186.162, for services performed, the owner shall pay the county clerk the fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017.

(2) The certificate of registration shall contain the registration number, the name and post office address of the owner, and such other information as the cabinet may require.

(b) The one dollar ($1) donation shall be added to the regular fee for vehicle registration.

(d) Donation to the child care assistance account shall be voluntary and may be refused by the applicant at the time of the issuance or renewal of any vehicle registration.

(5) (a) The county clerk may retain five percent (5%) of fees collected for the child care assistance account under subsection (4) of this section.

(b) The remaining funds shall be deposited into a trust and agency account in the State Treasury to the credit of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the exclusive use as follows:

Funds shall be made available to the agencies that administer child care subsidy funds; and
Funds shall be used as determined by the cabinet for working families whose income exceeds the state income eligibility limits for child day care assistance.

(6) (a) Except as provided in KRS 186.162, in addition to the registration fee provided for county clerks in subsections (1) and (3) of this section, an additional fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017 shall be collected at the time of registration.

(b) The additional fee established in paragraph (a) of this subsection shall be distributed as follows:

One-third (1/3) shall be placed in an agency fund to provide additional funds exclusively for technological improvements or replacement of the AVIS system. The operation and maintenance of AVIS shall remain as currently provided for from the operational budget of the Transportation Cabinet and shall not be reduced below the 2005-2006 funding level;
One-third (1/3) shall be placed in an agency trust fund to provide funds for technological improvements to the hardware and software in county clerk offices related to the collection and administration of road fund taxes. The cabinet, in consultation with county clerks, shall allocate funds as necessary from this fund to be used for this exclusive purpose; and
One-third (1/3) shall be placed in a trust fund to be maintained by the cabinet to provide an unrestricted revenue supplement, for operations of the office related to the collection and administration of road fund taxes, to county clerk offices in counties containing a population of less than twenty thousand (20,000), as determined by the decennial census, and for no other purpose. Annually, by March 1, the cabinet shall calculate the amount collected in the previous calendar year and distribute the entire fund proportionate to each county that qualifies under this paragraph based on population. This revenue shall be considered current year revenue when paid to the clerk and shall not be identified as excess fees from the previous year.

(7) Any motor vehicle registration cancelled for nonrenewal shall be subject to the provisions of KRS 186.181.

(b) The county clerk shall retain twenty dollars ($20) of the reinstatement fee and forward the remaining twenty dollars ($20) to the cabinet.

Effective: January 1, 2027

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 28, effective January 1, 2027. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 5, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 23, effective July 15, 2024; and ch. 198, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2025. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 7, effective January 1, 2007. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 144, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 41, effective July 1, 2003. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 544, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 118, sec. 102, effective July 1, 1987. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 37, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 375, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 40, Part IV, sec. 1. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 4, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 1. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 3, effective January 1, 1960. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 78, secs. 4 and 9. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-10.

186.041 Special military-related license plates.

(1) Each initial and renewal application by a person who meets the criteria of paragraph

(a) of this subsection and each initial application by a person who meets the criteria of paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this subsection for a special military license plate shall be accompanied by proof as set forth in subsection (10) of this section that the person is associated with the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, United States Space Force, United States Coast Guard, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Kentucky National Guard, Merchant Marines with service between December 7, 1941, and August 15, 1945, or Civil Air Patrol in one (1) of the following ways:

(a) A member of the Armed Forces of the United States;

(b) A retired member;

(c) A member of the National Guard or Reserve component who has completed his or her term of service, or has retired with a minimum of twenty (20) years of service; or

(d) A veteran who received a discharge under honorable conditions, or the veteran's surviving spouse, and:

Performed one hundred eighty (180) days of active-duty service;
Received an early release due to injuries or other medical condition, or at the convenience of the service;
Received a hardship discharge;
Was separated or retired due to a disability; or
Was determined to have a service-connected disability incurred during the enlistment.

(2) The member, retired member, veteran, reservist, or his or her spouse who is eligible under subsection (9) of this section may purchase an unlimited number of special military-related license plates described in subsection (1) of this section, annually for vehicles they own or lease. A disabled veterans license plate shall expire on July 31.

(3) A recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross shall be eligible for a Service Cross license plate upon submission of an application to the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs. The recipient shall be required to include with the initial application for a Service Cross license plate a copy of the general order that authorized the award and the recipient's Department of Defense form number 214. The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall verify the documentation submitted with the application for a Service Cross license plate, and if the individual applying for the plate is confirmed to be a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall submit the applicant's name to the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing not later than September 1 preceding the year that the Service Cross license plate is to be initially issued or renewed. When the Service Cross license plate is ready, the plate shall be sent to the county clerk in the county of the applicant's residence. The Transportation Cabinet's Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing shall inform each applicant in writing that the Service Cross license plate is ready and may be picked up at the county clerk's office. The Transportation Cabinet shall prescribe the type of application form required by this subsection and shall supply the Department of Veterans' Affairs with the application form required by this subsection.

(4) A person who is a former prisoner of the enemy during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or the spouse of a deceased former prisoner of war, shall be eligible for a former prisoner of war license plate by submitting written proof from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or other appropriate federal agency stating the period of time the person or person's spouse was a prisoner of war. If a former prisoner of war dies with a vehicle licensed as authorized under this section, the person's surviving spouse may retain the license plate for use on the same vehicle or on another vehicle that complies with KRS 186.164(7).

(5) A person who is certified by the Kentucky chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association as being a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor shall be eligible for a Pearl Harbor license plate and shall be required to attach to the special military- related license plate application written evidence from the Kentucky chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association that the person:

(a) Was a member of the United States Armed Forces on December 7, 1941;

(b) Was on station on December 7, 1941, during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Hawaii time, at Pearl Harbor, the island of Oahu, or offshore at a distance not to exceed three (3) miles;

(d) Is certified by the Kentucky chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

(6) A person who is eligible to receive a Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Fathers, or Gold Star Spouses license plate under KRS 186.164(16)(a) may receive up to two (2) Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Fathers, or Gold Star Spouses license plates free of charge and may purchase additional license plates by paying the same fee as for special military-related plates issued under KRS 186.162(2)(d) annually for vehicles he or she owns or leases.

(7) The surviving spouse of a Purple Heart recipient, or a Kentucky National Guard member or a retired member, who possessed a vehicle licensed with the Purple Heart recipient special license plate or the Kentucky National Guard special license plate, may retain the license plate for use on the same vehicle or another vehicle that complies with KRS 186.164(7). The surviving spouse may renew the license plate indefinitely, provided the appropriate registration fee is paid annually.

(8) A person who is attending or who is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine Academy shall be eligible for a special military service academy license plate. A special military service academy license plate under this subsection shall use the same plate template as the standard special military license plate under subsection

(1) of this section, with stickers to identify the various service academies. The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to establish the proof required to demonstrate current attendance at or graduation from a service academy. An eligible applicant may receive up to two (2) special military service academy license plates.

(9) (a) The legally married spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who meets the criteria for a special military license plate under subsection (1) of this section shall be eligible for a special military license plate. A special military license plate under this subsection shall use the same template as the standard special military license plate under subsection (1) of this section, with a sticker identifying the plate as that of a military spouse.

(b) An applicant who is eligible for a special military license plate under this subsection shall present as proof of eligibility an original or copy of his or her marriage certificate establishing marriage to the member of the Armed Forces of the United States and an original or copy of one (1) of the following:

His or her unexpired DD-1173 form; or
Any identification document outlined in subsection (10) of this section issued to his or her spouse.

(10) Prior to receiving a special military-related plate requested under subsection (1) of this section, the applicant shall present as proof of eligibility, an original or copy of his or her:

(a) Unexpired Veteran Identification Card or Veteran Health Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;

(b) DD-2, DD-214, DD-256, DD-257, or NGB-22 form; or

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 161, sec. 101, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 5, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 42, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 137, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 91, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2015. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch 14, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010; ch. 33, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2010; and ch. 113, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 30, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008; and ch. 49, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 2, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 146, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 5, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 30, sec. 1, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 347, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 2001 Ky. Acts ch. 37, sec. 1, effective June 21, 2001; and ch. 45, sec. 1, effective June 21, 2001. -- Repealed and reenacted 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 453, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 405, sec. 35, effective July 15, 1994; ch. 416, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 428, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 1, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 150, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 457, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 203, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 17, sec. 1, effective June 19, 1976; and ch. 133, sec. 5, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(9). -- Created 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 191, sec. 1.

186.042 Accessible parking registration plates and parking privileges for persons with certain disabilities -- Application procedure -- Issuance.

(1) For the purposes of this section, "persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk" means persons who:

(a) Cannot walk two hundred (200) feet or sixty-one (61) meters without stopping to rest;

(b) Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistant device;

(c) Are restricted by lung disease to the extent that the person's forced respiratory and expiratory volume for one (1) second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one (1) liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty (60) mm/hg on room air at rest;

(d) Use portable oxygen;

(e) Have a cardiac condition to the extent that the person's functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association; or

(f) Are severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

(2) On the application of any person with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk, who has lost the use of an arm or both arms, or who is blind, the Transportation Cabinet shall issue the person with a disability, the parent or guardian of a disabled minor, or the parent or guardian of a disabled adult, an accessible parking registration plate or renewal decal designating the vehicle licensed as being owned by or leased by a person with a disability or their parent or guardian. The license plate or renewal decal may be issued for a passenger car as set forth in KRS 186.050(1), for a motorcycle as set forth in KRS 186.050(2), or for a commercial vehicle as set forth in KRS 186.050(3)(a). The registration plates issued shall bear the international symbol of access adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969, reading from left to right and shall be followed by numbers or letters the cabinet finds expedient. Except as provided in this subsection, the cabinet shall not issue the registration plates so designated to any person other than a person with a disability as described above. The fee for a disabled license plate shall be as established in KRS 186.162.

(3) The application for a license plate for a person with a disability shall be made on a form prepared by the Transportation Cabinet. For every person seeking this accessible parking license plate, proof of the disability shall be required by:

(a) The county clerk issuing the license plate ascertaining that the applicant or the applicant's minor or adult child is obviously disabled as described in this section; or

(b) A statement from a licensed physician, physician assistant, chiropractor, or advanced practice registered nurse that the applicant or the applicant's minor or adult child is a person with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk, a person who has lost the use of an arm, or any person who is blind.

(4) When a motor vehicle bearing plates issued under this section is being operated by or for the benefit of the person with a disability, who is in the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is being operated, the motor vehicle may be parked for a period of two (2) hours in excess of the legal parking period permitted by local authorities, except if local ordinances or police regulations prohibit parking on a highway for the purpose of creating a fire lane; if the ordinances or police regulations provide for the accommodation of heavy traffic during morning, afternoon, or evening hours; or if the motor vehicle is parked in such a manner as to clearly be a traffic hazard.

(5) Registration under this section shall expire July 31.

Effective: June 29, 2021

History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 69, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 3, effective July 14, 2018. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 31, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 33, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 6, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 15, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 405, sec. 36, effective July 15, 1994; ch. 416, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 428, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 2, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 150, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 268, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 203, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1982. -- Created 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 3, effective June 17, 1978.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). This section was amended by 1994 Ky. Acts chs. 405, 416, and 428. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists between chs. 405 and 416, Acts ch. 416, which was enacted after Acts chapter 405 by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250.

186.0422 Display of international symbol of access on accessible parking registration plate.

Any person eligible for an accessible parking registration plate under KRS 186.042 who has been issued, or is eligible for, a special license plate shall make application to the cabinet by September 1 of the preceding registration year that the special plate be made to display the international symbol of access adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969. The fee for a plate issued under this section shall be the same as for the special plate that the person is eligible for. All privileges granted by KRS 186.042 shall apply to license plates issued under this section.

Effective: July 15, 1998

History: Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 288, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998.

186.0425 Accessible parking registration plate for vehicle used to transport persons with a disability -- Extension of legal parking period.

(1) On the application of any agency or organization which transports persons with a disability described in KRS 186.042 as part of the service provided by that agency or organization to the county clerk for an accessible parking registration plate for a vehicle used in the transportation of persons with a disability, the Transportation Cabinet shall issue the agency or organization an accessible parking registration plate or renewal decal designating the vehicle licensed as being owned or leased by an agency or organization which transports persons with a disability. The license plate or renewal decal may be issued for a passenger car as set forth in KRS 186.050(1) or for a commercial vehicle as set forth in KRS 186.050(3)(a). The registration plates issued shall bear the international symbol of access adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969, reading from left to right, and shall be followed by the numbers or letters the cabinet finds expedient. The cabinet shall not charge any fee, other than the regular fee for annual registration, for the issuance of the registration plate or renewal decal.

(2) The application for a license plate for an agency or organization which transports persons with a disability shall be made on a form prepared by the Transportation Cabinet. For every agency or organization seeking an accessible parking license plate, the application shall contain at least the following:

(a) Name of the agency or organization requesting use of an accessible parking placard for a person with a disability;

(b) Number of vehicles being used in the transportation of persons with a disability; and

(3) Upon the sale, transfer, or termination of lease of a vehicle licensed as authorized under this section, the owner or lessee shall remove the license plate and return it and the certificate of registration to the county clerk. The clerk shall issue a regular license plate and certificate of registration upon the payment of an eleven dollar fifty cent ($11.50) state fee and a three dollar ($3) clerk's fee. When the accessible parking plate has been presented to the clerk, he shall reissue the plate free of charge by the Transportation Cabinet and upon payment of a two dollar ($2) clerk's fee, for use on any other vehicle owned or leased by the same agency or organization who purchased the accessible parking plate for the current licensing period. The license plate and decal on the other vehicle shall be turned into the county clerk, who shall forward the license plate to Frankfort.

(4) When a motor vehicle bearing plates issued to an agency or organization which transports persons with a disability as prescribed in this section is being operated for the benefit of a person with a disability who is in the motor vehicle at the time it is being operated, the motor vehicle may be parked for a period of two (2) hours in excess of the legal parking period permitted by local authorities, except where local ordinances or police regulations prohibit parking on a highway for the purpose of creating a fire lane or where the ordinances or police regulations provide for the accommodation of heavy traffic during morning, afternoon, or evening hours or where the motor vehicle is parked in such a manner as to clearly be a traffic hazard.

(5) Registration under this section shall expire July 31.

(6) The cabinet may promulgate the administrative regulations necessary to further the purpose of this section.

Effective: July 15, 1994.

History: Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 405, sec. 37, effective July 15, 1994; ch. 416, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 428, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1994. – Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 3, effective July 14, 1992.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). This section was amended by 1994 Ky. Acts chs. 405, 416, and 428. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists between chs. 405 and 416, Acts ch. 416, which was enacted after Acts ch. 405 by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250.

186.043 Special license plates for historic motor vehicles -- Permanent registration.

(1) In enacting this section, it is the intention of the General Assembly to recognize the special value of historic vehicles to the Commonwealth, and also to recognize that historic vehicles, because of their limited use and easily identifiable characteristics, do not require the same degree of regulation as other vehicles.

(2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "historic vehicle" shall mean all motor vehicles twenty-five (25) years old or older, which are used primarily for exhibition in shows, parades, tours, and other special uses, but not for general transportation.

(3) Historic vehicles shall be registered and licensed by the Transportation Cabinet. The registration shall be in lieu of registration and license required by KRS 186.020 to 186.270.

(4) Upon payment of the fee established in KRS 186.162 and an application in accordance with regulations issued by the Transportation Cabinet, the secretary of the Transportation Cabinet shall issue a certificate of registration and two (2) special license plates of a different color and design than the regular license plate, which, in the judgment of the secretary of the Transportation Cabinet, will best advertise, popularize, and promote the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These plates, besides the word "Kentucky" shall have the words, "Historic Motor Vehicle" inscribed in a conspicuous manner and carry no year date. These plates shall have a serial number beginning with the number "100" and continue in a consecutive numerical sequence.

(5) Historic vehicles may display an authentic Kentucky license plate, twenty-five (25) years or older, or a reproduction of such a plate, if the historic motor vehicle plate and the registration receipt are kept in the vehicle at all times.

(6) The registration license and license plates of historic motor vehicles shall be valid without renewal as long as the vehicle is in existence. If the historic motor vehicle is sold, the registration and license shall be assigned and transferred to the new owner on the records of the Transportation Cabinet upon receipt of an application in accordance with regulations issued by the cabinet and payment of a fee of three dollars ($3).

Effective: June 20, 2005

History: Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 7, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 343, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 1, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 69, sec. 1, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(9), (10). -- Created 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 14, secs. 1 to 5 and 7.

186.0435 Display of vintage Kentucky license plates on historic vehicle.

Any motor vehicle that meets the age requirements of a "historic vehicle" as used in KRS 186.043(2) and is registered in accordance with KRS 186.050 may display an authentic Kentucky license plate, twenty-five (25) years or older, or a reproduction of such a plate, if the current motor vehicle plate and the registration receipt are kept in the vehicle at all times.

Effective: June 26, 2007

History: Created 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 1, effective June 26, 2007.

186.044 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.045 Discharge by payment in full -- Duties of secured party when security interest is discharged -- Filing -- Time -- Fees -- Notations showing security interest -- Clerk not liable for accepting fraudulent termination statement.

(1) A perfected security interest in a motor vehicle or manufactured home that has been satisfied by payment in full shall be deemed to have been discharged if one (1) or both of the following events has occurred:

(a) The funds to pay in full and discharge the security interest have been provided to the secured party in the form of a cashier's check, certified check, or wire transfer; or

(b) The debt has been paid to a secured party who is no longer in existence or has failed to file the necessary documents to discharge the lien.

(2) If payment in full has been made under subsection (1)(a) of this section, the discharge of the lien shall be made not later than ten (10) days from the receipt of the payment.

(3) When a security interest has been paid in full and a termination statement, as defined in KRS 186A.005, or discharge has not been filed, the debtor may petition the Circuit Court in the county of the debtor's residence to order the discharge of the security interest. The debtor shall present written evidence to the Circuit Court that the security interest has been paid in full. If the evidence presented to the Circuit Court proves to the court's satisfaction that the security interest has been paid in full, the court shall order the county clerk to note the termination on the title and to remove the lien from the Automated Vehicle Information System (AVIS). A copy of the court's order shall immediately be sent to the county clerk in the county where the security interest was originally filed and the county clerk shall discharge the security interest and remove the lien information from AVIS in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(4) Whenever a security interest has been discharged, other than by proceedings under Part 6 of Article 9 of KRS Chapter 355 or similar proceedings, the secured party shall:

(a) 1. For a security interest perfected prior to January 1, 2025:

a. Deliver an authenticated termination statement in the manner required by KRS 355.9-513 to the county clerk of the county in which the title lien statement was submitted; or

b. Have a county clerk from another county submit by fax or other form of electronic communication available and acceptable to both sender and recipient, and verified verbally or by electronically assigned identification as being from the sending clerk, and which is able to be copied to an electronic or paper file, on that county clerk's letterhead, an authenticated termination statement in the manner required by KRS 355.9-513 to the county clerk of the county in which the title lien statement was submitted. The county clerk, upon receipt of the authenticated termination statement in the manner prescribed under this paragraph, shall verify the legitimacy of the document; or

For a security interest perfected on or after January 1, 2025, submit an authenticated termination statement to a county clerk in the same manner as a title lien statement under KRS 186A.195; and

(b) Deliver a copy of the termination statement to the debtor or the debtor's transferee. For failure to file the termination statement within the allowable time, the secured party shall be subject to the penalty provided in KRS 186.990(1). Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, within five (5) days after the receipt of these documents, the county clerk shall enter the filing into the system of record. The county clerk shall then file the termination statement in the place from which the title lien statement was removed. Termination statements shall be retained in the clerk's files for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the date of filing a statement, at which time they may be destroyed. The fee for these services are included in the provisions of KRS 186A.190.

(5) Upon presentation of an owner's title showing a security interest to the county clerk of a county where the termination statement was not delivered, the county clerk shall access AVIS to determine whether a record of termination of the security interest has been entered into AVIS by the county clerk where the termination statement was delivered by the secured party as provided in KRS 186A.210. If a record of termination has been entered into AVIS, the county clerk of the county where the termination statement was not delivered shall note the discharge of the security interest on the certificate of title by noting that the termination statement has been delivered, the county where it was delivered, and placing the seal of the county clerk thereon and may rely on AVIS to do so. If a record of termination has not been entered into AVIS, the county clerk of the county other than where the termination statement was delivered shall not make any notation upon the certificate of title that the security interest has been discharged or that a termination statement has been delivered to the county where the title lien statement was submitted.

(6) Whenever any secured party repossesses a vehicle or manufactured home titled in Kentucky, for which a security interest is in existence at the time of repossession, and disposes of the vehicle or manufactured home pursuant to the provisions of KRS Chapter 355, the secured party shall present, within fifteen (15) days after the disposition, the vehicle's license plate if the plate has not been retained by the previous owner, an affidavit in a form prescribed by the department, proof of notification of all interested parties pursuant to KRS 186A.190 and 355.9-611, and a termination statement or proof that a termination statement has been filed. The new owner shall pay to the county clerk all applicable fees for titling and transferring the vehicle or manufactured home into his or her name. Upon receipt of the documents, the county clerk who issued the lien shall then omit from the new title application any information relating to the security interest under which the vehicle or manufactured home was repossessed or any security interest subordinate thereto. However, any security interest, as shown by the title which is superior to the one under which the vehicle or manufactured home was repossessed, shall be shown on the title issued by the clerk unless the prior secured party has discharged the security interest in the clerk's office or proof of termination is submitted, if the prior security interest was discharged in another clerk's office.

(7) Whenever any vehicle or manufactured home brought into Kentucky is required to be titled and the vehicle or manufactured home is then subject to a security interest in another state as shown by the out-of-state documents presented to the clerk, the county clerk is prohibited from processing the application for title on the vehicle or manufactured home unless the owner obtains from the secured party a financing statement or title lien statement and presents same to the clerk along with the fees required in KRS 186A.190. The clerk shall note the out-of-state security interest on the certificate of title. This provision does not apply to vehicles required to be registered in Kentucky under forced registration provisions under KRS 186.145.

(8) The fees provided for in this section are in addition to any state fee provided for by law.

(9) Any person violating any provision of this section or any person refusing to surrender a certificate of title registration and ownership or transfer certificate upon request of any person entitled thereto, is subject to the penalties provided in KRS 186.990(1).

(10) The county clerk is prohibited from noting any security interest on a certificate of title on any vehicle or manufactured home subject to the provisions of KRS Chapter 186A if a certificate of title therefor is presented to the clerk which has all the spaces provided thereon for noting security interests fully exhausted. The owner is responsible for ensuring that a discharge is noted on the certificate of title for each security interest and then a duplicate title as provided for in KRS 186A.180 shall be obtained from the clerk by the owner of the vehicle or manufactured home.

(11) Security interests in vehicles or manufactured homes sold to or owned by residents of other states shall be perfected in the state of the nonresident and repossession of the vehicle or manufactured home shall be taken pursuant to the laws of that state, unless:

(a) 1. The vehicle is principally operated in Kentucky; or

The manufactured home is located in Kentucky;

(b) The vehicle or manufactured home is properly titled in Kentucky under KRS Chapter 186A; and

(c) The security interest is authorized to be noted on the certificate of title by the county clerk under KRS Chapter 186A.

(12) A county clerk who accepts an authenticated termination statement and complies with the verification requirements of subsection (4)(a)1.b. of this section shall be held harmless from any liability arising from fraudulent termination statements.

(13) Any active lien that is recorded in AVIS on July 15, 2026, shall not be considered to be stripped because of the county status.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 9, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 18, sec. 8, effective January 1, 2025. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 8, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2013. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 25, sec. 1, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 103, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 408, sec. 178, effective July 1, 2001. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 128, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 118, sec. 103, effective July 1, 1987. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 321, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 5, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 2. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 203, sec. 35. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 83, sec. 1; and ch. 255, sec. 169. -- Created 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 2.

Legislative Research Commission Note (6/29/2023). The effective date of the amendments to this statute in 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 18, sec. 8, was changed from January 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025, in 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 7.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012). The amendment of this statute in 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5 was to be effective January 1, 2013, pursuant to Section 7 of that Act. However, in 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 1, 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 7, was repealed, and a new effective date of January 1, 2014, was established for the 2011 amendment of this statute, pursuant to 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 2.

186.047 Repealed, 1986.

[Repealed]

186.049 Voluntary donation to the Kentucky Circuit Clerks' Trust for Life to promote organ donation.

(1) (a) Any person applying online for motor vehicle registration renewal shall be requested by the cabinet, at the time of renewal, to make a voluntary donation to promote an organ donor program.

(b) A county clerk may ask any person applying for an initial or renewal motor vehicle registration to make a voluntary donation to promote an organ donor program.

(2) Any donation under this section shall be added to the regular fee for motor vehicle registration renewal.

(3) (a) Any donation made under subsection (1)(a) of this section shall be paid to the cabinet and shall be forwarded by the cabinet on a monthly basis to the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust for Life, and such moneys are hereby appropriated to be used exclusively for the purpose of promoting an organ donor program. A donation under this section shall be voluntary and may be refused by the applicant at the time of online renewal.

(b) Any donation made under subsection (1)(b) of this section shall be paid to the county clerk and forwarded by the county clerk on a monthly basis to the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust for Life, and such moneys are hereby appropriated to be used exclusively for the purpose of promoting an organ donor program. A donation under this section shall be voluntary and may be refused by the applicant at the time of application.

(4) (a) The cabinet shall provide an opportunity for any person applying for online motor vehicle registration renewal to express willingness to make an anatomical gift under KRS 311.1917. If a person who has made a declaration under this subsection wishes to rescind that declaration, that person shall notify the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust for Life, which shall remove the person from their records.

(b) A county clerk may provide an opportunity for any person applying for initial or renewal motor vehicle registration, to express willingness to make an anatomical gift under KRS 311.1917. If a person who has made a declaration under this subsection wishes to rescind that declaration, that person shall notify the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust for Life, which shall remove the person from their records.

(5) The Transportation Cabinet may promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this section.

Effective: July 14, 2022

History: Created 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 16, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2022.

186.050 Registration fees -- Voluntary donation for wildlife management and conservation activities and the agricultural program trust fund -- Collection of electric vehicle ownership fees.

(1) The annual registration fee shall be eleven dollars and fifty cents ($11.50) for:

(a) Motor vehicles, including pickup trucks and passenger vans; and

(b) Motor carrier vehicles, as defined in KRS 281.010, primarily designed for carrying passengers or passengers for hire and having been designed or constructed to transport not more than fifteen (15) passengers, including the operator.

(2) (a) Except as provided in KRS 186.041 and 186.162, the annual registration fee for each motorcycle shall be nine dollars ($9).

(b) The annual registration fee for a street-legal special purpose vehicle shall be ten dollars ($10).

(3) (a) All motor vehicles having a declared gross weight of vehicle and any towed unit of more than ten thousand (10,000) pounds are classified as commercial vehicles and the annual registration fee shall be as set forth in paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(b) The registration fee for all motor vehicles engaged in hauling passengers for hire which are designed or constructed to transport more than fifteen (15) passengers including the operator shall be one hundred dollars ($100). The registration fee for all other commercial vehicles, except as provided in subsections (4) to (10) and (13) of this section, shall be as follows: Declared Gross Weight of Vehicle Registration and Any Towed Unit Fee 10,001-14,000 30.00 14,001-18,000 50.00 18,001-22,000 132.00 22,001-26,000 160.00 26,001-32,000 216.00 32,001-38,000 300.00 38,001-44,000 474.00 44,001-55,000 699.00 55,001-62,000 1,037.00 62,001-73,280 1,280.00 73,281-80,000 1,440.00

(4) (a) 1. Any farmer owning a truck having a gross weight of twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds or less may have it registered as a farmer's truck and obtain a license for eleven dollars and fifty cents ($11.50). The applicant's signature upon the certificate of registration and ownership shall constitute a certificate that the applicant is a farmer engaged in the production of crops, livestock, or dairy products, that the applicant owns a truck of the gross weight of twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds or less, and that during the next twelve (12) months the truck shall not be used in for-hire transportation and may be used in transporting persons, food, provender, feed, machinery, livestock, material, and supplies necessary for the applicant's farming operation, and the products grown on the applicant's farm.

Any farmer owning a truck having a gross weight of twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds to thirty-eight thousand (38,000) pounds may have it registered as a farmer's truck and obtain a license for eleven dollars and fifty cents ($11.50). The applicant's signature upon the certificate of registration and ownership shall constitute a certificate that the applicant is a farmer engaged in the production of crops, livestock, or dairy products, that the applicant owns a truck of the gross weight between twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds and thirty-eight thousand (38,000) pounds, and that during the next twelve (12) months the truck shall not be used in for-hire transportation and may be used in transporting persons, food, provender, feed, machinery, livestock, material, and supplies necessary for the applicant's farming operation and the products grown on the applicant's farm.

(b) Any farmer owning a truck having a declared gross weight in excess of thirty- eight thousand (38,000) pounds shall not be required to pay the fee set out in subsection (3) of this section and, in lieu thereof, shall pay forty percent (40%) of the fee set out in subsection (3) of this section and shall be exempt from any fee charged under the provisions of KRS 281.752. The applicant's signature upon the registration receipt shall be considered to be a certification that the applicant is a farmer engaged solely in the production of crops, livestock, or dairy products, and that during the current registration year the truck will be used only in transporting persons, food, provender, feed, and machinery used in operating the applicant's farm and the products grown on the applicant's farm.

(c) An initial applicant for, or an applicant renewing, his or her registration pursuant to this subsection, may at the time of application make a voluntary contribution to be deposited into the agricultural program trust fund established in KRS 246.247. The recommended voluntary contribution shall be set at ten dollars ($10) and automatically added to the cost of registration or renewal unless the individual registering or renewing the vehicle opts out of contributing the recommended amount. The county clerk shall collect and forward the voluntary contribution to the cabinet for distribution to the Department of Agriculture.

(5) Any person owning a bus used solely in transporting school children and school employees may have the bus registered as a school bus and obtain a license for eleven dollars and fifty cents ($11.50) by filing with the county clerk, in addition to other information required, an affidavit stating that the bus is used solely in the transportation of school children and persons employed in the schools of the district, that the words "School Bus" are printed on each side of the bus and on the rear door in letters at least six (6) inches high, and of a conspicuous color, and the bus will be used during the next twelve (12) months only for the purpose stated.

(6) Any church or religious organization owning a bus used solely in transporting persons to and from a place of worship or for other religious work may have the bus registered as a church bus and obtain a license for eleven dollars and fifty cents ($11.50) by filing with the county clerk, in addition to other information required, an affidavit stating that the bus will be used only for the transporting of persons to and from a place of worship, or for other religious work, and that there has been printed on the bus in large letters the words "Church Bus," with the name of the church or religious organization owning and using the or bus, and that during the next twelve (12) months the bus will be used only for the purpose stated.

(7) Any person owning a motor vehicle with a gross weight of fourteen thousand (14,000) pounds or less on which a wrecker crane or other equipment suitable for wrecker service has been permanently mounted may register the vehicle and obtain a license for eleven dollars and fifty cents ($11.50) by filing with the county clerk, in addition to other information required, an affidavit that a wrecker crane or other equipment suitable for wrecker service has been permanently mounted on the vehicle and that during the next twelve (12) months the vehicle will be used only in wrecker service. If the gross weight of the vehicle exceeds fourteen thousand (14,000) pounds, the vehicle shall be registered in accordance with subsection (3) of this section. The gross weight of a vehicle used in wrecker service shall not include the weight of the vehicle being towed by the wrecker.

(8) Motor vehicles having a declared gross weight in excess of eighteen thousand (18,000) pounds, which when operated in this state are used exclusively for the transportation of property within the limits of the city named in the affidavit hereinafter required to be filed, or within ten (10) miles of the city limits of the city if it is a city with a population equal to or greater than three thousand (3,000) based upon the most recent federal decennial census, or within five (5) miles of its limits if it is a city with a population of less than three thousand (3,000) based upon the most recent federal decennial census, or anywhere within a county containing an urban-county government, shall not be required to pay the fee as set out in subsection (3) of this section, and in lieu thereof shall pay seventy-five percent (75%) of the fee set forth in subsection (3) of this section and shall be exempt from any fee charged under the provisions of KRS 281.752. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any right of nonresidents to exemption from registration under any other provisions of the laws granting reciprocity to nonresidents. Operations outside of this state shall not be considered in determining whether or not the foregoing mileage limitations have been observed. When claiming the right to the reduced fee, the applicant's signature on the certificate of registration and ownership shall constitute a certification or affidavit stating that the motor vehicle when used within this state is used only for the transportation of property within the city to be named in the affidavit and the area above set out and that the vehicle will not be used outside of a city and the area above set out during the current registration period.

(9) Motor vehicles having a declared gross weight in excess of eighteen thousand (18,000) pounds, which are used exclusively for the transportation of primary forest products from the harvest area to a mill or other processing facility, where the mill or processing facility is located at a point not more than fifty (50) air miles from the harvest area or which are used exclusively for the transportation of concrete blocks or ready-mixed concrete from the point at which the concrete blocks or ready- mixed concrete is produced to a construction site where the concrete blocks or ready-mixed concrete is to be used, where the construction site is located at a point not more than thirty (30) air miles from the point at which the concrete blocks or ready-mixed concrete is produced shall not be required to pay the fee as set out in subsection (3) of this section, and in lieu thereof, shall pay seventy-five percent (75%) of the fee set out in subsection (3) of this section and shall be exempt from any fee charged under the provisions of KRS 281.752. The applicant's signature upon the certificate of registration and ownership shall constitute a certification that the motor vehicle will not be used during the current registration period in any manner other than that for which the reduced fee is provided in this section.

(10) Any owner of a commercial vehicle registered for a declared gross weight in excess of eighteen thousand (18,000) pounds, intending to transfer same and desiring to take advantage of the refund provisions of KRS 186.056(2), may reregister the vehicle and obtain a "For Sale" certificate of registration and ownership for one dollar ($1). Title to a vehicle so registered may be transferred, but the registration shall not authorize the operation or use of the vehicle on any public highway. No refund may be made under the provisions of KRS 186.056(2) until the title to the vehicle has been transferred to the purchaser thereof. Provided, however, that nothing herein shall be so construed as to prevent the seller of a commercial vehicle from transferring the registration of the vehicle to any purchaser thereof.

(11) The annual registration fee for self-propelled vehicles containing sleeping or eating facilities shall be twenty dollars ($20) and the multiyear license plate issued shall be designated "Recreational vehicle." The foregoing shall not include any motor vehicle primarily designed for commercial or farm use having temporarily attached thereto any sleeping or eating facilities, or any commercial vehicle having sleeping facilities.

(12) The registration fee on any vehicle registered under this section shall be increased fifty percent (50%) when the vehicle is not equipped wholly with pneumatic tires.

(13) (a) The Department of Vehicle Regulation is authorized to negotiate and execute an agreement or agreements for the purpose of developing and instituting proportional registration of motor vehicles engaged in interstate commerce, or in a combination of interstate and intrastate commerce, and operating into, through, or within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The agreement or agreements may be made on a basis commensurate with, and determined by, the miles traveled on, and use made of, the highways of this Commonwealth as compared with the miles traveled on and use made of highways of other states, or upon any other equitable basis of proportional registration. Notwithstanding the provisions of KRS 186.020, the cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations concerning the registration of motor vehicles under any agreement or agreements made under this section and shall provide for direct issuance by it of evidence of payment of any registration fee required under the agreement or agreements. Any proportional registration fee required to be collected under any proportional registration agreement or agreements shall be in accordance with the taxes established in this section.

(b) Any owner of a commercial vehicle who is required to title his or her motor vehicle under this section shall first title the vehicle with the county clerk pursuant to KRS 186.020 for a state fee of one dollar ($1). Title to the vehicle may be transferred; however title without proper registration shall not authorize the operation or use of the vehicle on any public highway. Any commercial vehicle properly titled in Kentucky may also be registered in Kentucky, and, upon payment of the required fees, the department may issue an apportioned registration plate to the commercial vehicle.

(c) Any commercial vehicle that is properly titled in a foreign jurisdiction, which vehicle is subject to apportioned registration, as provided in paragraph (a) of this subsection, may be registered in Kentucky, and, upon proof of proper title and payment of the required fees, the department may issue an apportioned registration plate to the commercial vehicle. The department shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with this section.

(14) Any person seeking to obtain a special license plate for an automobile that has been provided to the applicant pursuant to an occupation shall meet both of the following requirements:

(a) The automobile shall be provided for the full-time exclusive use of the applicant; and

(b) The applicant shall obtain permission in writing from the vehicle owner or lessee on a form provided by the cabinet to use the vehicle and for the vehicle to bear the special license plate.

(15) An applicant for any motor vehicle registration issued pursuant to this section shall have the opportunity to make a donation of two dollars ($2) to promote a hunger relief program through specific wildlife management and conservation efforts by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in accordance with KRS 150.015. If an applicant elects to make a contribution under this subsection, the two dollar ($2) donation shall be added to the regular fee for any motor vehicle registration issued pursuant to this section. One (1) donation may be made per issuance of each registration. The fee shall be paid to the county clerk and shall be transmitted by the State Treasurer to the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to be used exclusively for the purpose of wildlife management and conservation activities in support of hunger relief. The county clerk may retain up to five percent (5%) of the fees collected under this subsection for administrative costs associated with the collection of this donation. Any donation requested under this subsection shall be voluntary and may be refused by the applicant at the time of issuance or renewal of a license plate.

(16) In addition to the fees outlined in this section, the county clerk shall collect from the registrants of electric vehicles and electric motorcycles the electric vehicle ownership fees imposed in KRS 138.475. The county clerk may retain one dollar ($1) of the fee collected under this subsection.

Effective: June 27, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 4, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 24, effective January 1, 2025; ch. 166, sec. 19, effective January 1, 2025; and ch. 198, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2025. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 212, sec. 31, effective January 1, 2024. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 19, sec. 38, effective June 24, 2015. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 266, effective January 1, 2015. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 88, sec. 1, effective March 16, 2011. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 61, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 3, sec. 2, effective March 6, 2009. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 3, effective July 12, 2006; ch. 132, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006; and ch. 190, effective July 12, 2006 -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 30, sec. 2, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 42, effective July 1, 2003. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 42, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 132, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 277, sec. 7, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 140, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988; ch. 150, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988; ch. 175, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1988; ch. 184, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988; and ch. 287, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 373, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 4, effective April 1, 1982. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1980; and ch. 68, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 144, sec. 1, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 239, sec. 4, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 1. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2); ch. 90, sec. 2; and ch. 368, sec. 2. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 268, sec. 1. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 40, Part IV, sec. 2. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 5, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 1. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 4, effective January 1, 1963; and ch. 96, sec. 4, effective March 9, 1962. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 157, sec. 1. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 70, sec. 24. - - Amended 1956 (2d Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 1. -- Amended 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 3. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 15, sec. 3. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 1. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 7. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-2c(2), 2739g- 2d.

Legislative Research Commission Note (1/1/2025). This statute was amended by 2024 Ky. Acts chs. 123, 166, and 198. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists, Acts ch. 198, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250.

186.051 Year-round registration system -- Cabinet may designate separate registration years -- Staggered registration system for commercial motor vehicles.

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the cabinet shall by January 1, 1978, establish a year-round system for the registration of vehicles under the provisions of KRS 186.050(1). The system shall be designed so as to distribute the work load as uniformly as practicable within the various offices of the county clerks, as well as the cabinet, on a year-round basis. In implementing a year-round registration system, the cabinet may establish separate and distinct registration years. Each registration year so designated shall begin on the first day of a calendar month and expire on the last day of the last calendar month in a registration period. Registration periods may be designated to include less than twelve (12) consecutive months and registration fees shall be computed at a rate of one-twelfth (1/12) of the appropriate annual registration fee per month in each registration period. The cabinet may establish a registration year of more than twelve (12) months except that registration fees for designated periods of more than twelve (12) months may be paid at the option of the owner. The cabinet may promulgate reasonable administrative regulations to carry out the orderly implementation and administration of the year-round registration system. Any transaction relating to registration or registration renewal which would cause an unexpired Kentucky motor vehicle license plate to be surrendered shall have that unexpired fee prorated or credited against any additional fee required by a subsequent registration.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the cabinet shall by April 1, 1980, establish a year-round system for the registration of vehicles under the provisions of KRS 186.050(3)(a). The system shall be designed so as to distribute the work load as uniformly as practicable within the various offices of the county clerks, as well as the cabinet, on a year-round basis. In implementing a year-round registration system, the cabinet may establish separate and distinct registration years. Each registration year so designated shall begin on the first day of a calendar month and expire on the last day of the last calendar month in a registration period. Registration periods may be designated to include less than twelve (12) consecutive months and registration fees shall be computed at a rate of one-twelfth (1/12) of the appropriate annual registration fee per month in each registration period. The cabinet may establish a registration year of more than twelve (12) months except that registration fees for designated periods of more than twelve (12) months may be paid at the option of the owner. The cabinet may promulgate reasonable administrative regulations to carry out the orderly implementation and administration of the year-round registration system.

(3) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations to establish a staggered registration system for those commercial motor vehicles registered pursuant to KRS 186.050(13).

Effective: July 15, 1998

History: Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 241, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 5, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 384, sec. 331, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 25.

186.052 Repealed, 2015.

[Repealed]

186.053 License for dealer-demonstrator trucks or tractors -- Fee -- Tags.

(1) Every dealer in motor trucks or tractors to be used in combination with semitrailers who engages in the practice of transporting property for demonstration purposes shall pay to the Department of Vehicle Regulation an annual tax based on the gross weight of the motor vehicle so demonstrated an amount equal to one-half (1/2) the registration fee imposed by KRS 186.050(3). The Department of Vehicle Regulation shall issue a metal license plate designated "dealer demonstration." The use of such tag shall be limited to demonstration purposes, and the tag may be transferred from one vehicle to another. The Department of Vehicle Regulation may adopt regulations governing the use and transfer of such license tags.

(2) Vehicles used for demonstration and displaying the tag issued hereunder shall not be required to display dealer tags which may be required under the provisions of KRS 186.070.

Effective: January 1, 1967

History: Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 23, effective January 1, 1967.

186.054 Renumbered in part as KRS 186.281.

186.055 Repealed, 1966.

[Repealed]

186.056 Refund of portion of extra weight fees when ownership and use of vehicle are changed; refund or credit when use permanently discontinued.

(1) Whenever the ownership of a vehicle which has been registered at a declared gross weight in excess of 18,000 pounds under KRS 186.050 is changed, a refund of that portion of the tax paid allocable to the remainder of the unexpired period for which the tax was paid may be refunded as provided for destroyed vehicles in KRS 186.120(1) and in accordance with regulations adopted hereunder.

(2) In the event a vehicle is registered in accordance with KRS 186.050(11), the seller may obtain a refund of the portion of the tax which he had theretofore paid allocable to the remaining complete quarters of the unexpired period for which the tax was paid in the same manner as provided for destroyed vehicles in KRS 186.120, and in accordance with regulations adopted hereunder.

(3) In the event the use of a vehicle which has been registered according to the terms of any proportional registration agreement pursuant to the provisions of KRS 186.050(13), is permanently discontinued by the registrant, a refund of that portion of the tax which the registrant had heretofore paid to the department, allocable to the remaining complete months of the unexpired period for which the tax was paid may be made to the registrant or a credit of that portion of the tax paid allocable to the remainder of the unexpired period for which the tax was paid may be applied toward the registration of any other vehicle during the current registration period by the registrant. The department shall have the authority to promulgate regulations regarding such refunds or credits.

Effective: April 1, 1991

History: Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 113, sec. 1, effective April 1, 1991. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2); and ch. 90, sec. 1. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 6, effective January 1, 1967. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 3.

186.057 Repealed, 1987.

[Repealed]

186.0571 Repealed, April 1, 1987.

[Repealed]

186.058 Repealed, 1966.

[Repealed]

186.059 Operation of overweight commercial vehicle -- Ineligibility for exemption -

Department hearing -- Appeal.

(1) Operation of a commercial vehicle at a gross weight in excess of the declared gross weight at which such vehicle is registered under subsection (8), (9), or (10) of KRS 186.050, shall make any owner or operator, otherwise entitled to a reduced fee set out in those subsections ineligible for same for the entire license year.

(2) The department, upon receipt of information substantiated by affidavit, that any owner or operator is operating a motor vehicle in excess of the gross weight at which it is registered under subsection (8), (9), or (10) of KRS 186.050, may issue notice to the owner or operator advising that he is ineligible for the reduced fee or, that the privilege is revoked for the current license year. Within thirty (30) days of the date of the issuance of the notice, any affected owner or operator may request a hearing to be conducted in accordance with the provisions of KRS Chapter 13B. Failure to request a hearing within thirty (30) days of the date of the issuance of the notice shall make the ruling absolute, and the owner or operator shall be liable for the payment of the fees applicable under KRS 186.050(3) for the entire license year.

(3) If a hearing is requested in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section, the owner or operator shall not be entitled to the reduced fee during the interim between the application for hearing and the department's final order, unless he shall file with the department a bond in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500) per vehicle to be applied to the payment of any taxes which the department, as a result of the hearing, may determine are due the Commonwealth.

(4) The question for determination at any hearing held at the request of an owner or operator receiving a notice from the department shall be whether or not the owner or operator has operated a commercial vehicle in excess of the declared gross weight at which it is registered under subsection (8), (9), or (10) or KRS 186.050. The burden of proof shall be upon the department to show such unlawful operation. Any final order of the department shall be subject to appeal to the Franklin Circuit Court in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B, and any bond posted with the department shall be held pending the judgment of the highest court to which the matter is appealed.

Effective: July 15, 1996

History: Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 69, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 7, effective January 1, 1967. -- Created 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 96, sec. 3.

186.060 Motor vehicles leased or owned by governmental units or emergency and ambulance vehicles operated by nonprofit corporations organized by units of government -- Use of official plates on motor vehicles leased by governmental entity.

(1) Applications for registration of motor vehicles leased or owned by a county, city, urban-county, or board of education, or emergency and ambulance vehicles operated by nonprofit corporations organized by units of government in the state or by the state or federal government shall be submitted to the county clerk, who shall enter the application into AVIS and issue a registration receipt and the official license plate described in KRS 186.240. If the cabinet subsequently determines the registration should not have processed under this section, it may revoke the registration. For providing the services, the entity requesting the registration under this section shall pay the fees described in KRS 186.040.

(2) After the issuance of a license plate under subsection (1) of this section, no subsequent registration or renewal shall be necessary so long as the vehicle is leased or owned by the governmental unit, except in the case of loss or destruction of the license plate. In the event of loss or destruction of the license plate, the license plate shall be replaced in the same manner as if no plate had ever been issued.

(3) When a motor vehicle leased or owned by an entity allowed to use an official plate under this section is transferred or sold to another governmental unit, a new license plate shall be issued for the vehicle in the same manner as provided for in subsection (1) of this section and shall have the same effect as given to such license plates in subsection (2) of this section.

(4) A person shall not use any license plate that has been issued for use on a motor vehicle leased or owned by a governmental unit on a motor vehicle that is not leased or owned by an entity allowed to use an official plate under this section.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of KRS 186.020 and 186.050, a governmental entity which leases a motor vehicle may have that vehicle equipped with an official plate under this section. Upon termination of the lease agreement, if ownership of the motor vehicle does not revert to an entity allowed to use an official plate under this section, the owner of the motor vehicle shall surrender the official plates and apply for registration under the provisions of KRS 186.050.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 21, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 53, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 33, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1990; and ch. 498, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 419, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 72, sec. 1. -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 148, sec. 1. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 126, secs. 1, 2, and 3. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 122, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-7.

186.061 Motor vehicles owned by nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit. (Effective until January 1, 2027)

(1) Applications for registration of motor vehicles owned exclusively by any nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit shall be accompanied by a statement from the chief or assistant chief of the volunteer fire department or unit that owns the motor vehicle, certifying that the motor vehicle is exclusively owned and operated by the volunteer fire department or unit. The application and statement shall be forwarded by the county clerk to the cabinet, which shall give special authority to the clerk to register it. Upon receiving that authority, the clerk shall issue a registration receipt and the official number plate described in KRS 186.240(6), and report the registration to the head of the cabinet authorizing the registration. For his services in issuing such certificate of registration and number plate and reporting the same, the county clerk shall be entitled to a fee of three dollars ($3) in each instance, to be paid by the volunteer fire department or unit.

(2) After registration of any vehicle owned exclusively by any nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit and after issuance of a number plate for the vehicle so owned, no subsequent registration or renewal of same, and no subsequent renewal of a number plate of the vehicle shall be necessary so long as the vehicle is owned exclusively by the volunteer fire department or unit except in the case of loss or destruction of the license plate. In the event of loss or destruction, the number plate shall be replaced in the same manner as if no plate had ever been issued.

(3) When a motor vehicle owned exclusively by any nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit is transferred or sold to another nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit or another governmental unit a new license plate shall be issued for the vehicle in the same manner as provided for in subsection (1) of this section and shall have the same effect as given to such license plates in subsection (2) of this section.

(4) No person shall use on a motor vehicle, not exclusively owned by any nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit, any license plate that has been issued for use on a motor vehicle owned by a volunteer fire department or unit.

Effective: June 29, 2021

History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 53, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1990; and ch. 498, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1990. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 366, sec. 1.

186.061 Motor vehicles owned by nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit. (Effective January 1, 2027)

(1) Applications for registration of motor vehicles owned exclusively by any nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit shall be accompanied by a statement from the chief or assistant chief of the volunteer fire department or unit that owns the motor vehicle, certifying that the motor vehicle is exclusively owned and operated by the volunteer fire department or unit. The application and statement shall be forwarded by the county clerk to the cabinet, which shall give special authority to the clerk to register it. Upon receiving that authority, the clerk shall issue a registration receipt and the official number plate described in KRS 186.240(6), and report the registration to the head of the cabinet authorizing the registration. For the county clerk's services in issuing such certificate of registration and number plate and reporting the same, the county clerk shall be entitled to a fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017, to be paid by the volunteer fire department or unit.

Effective: January 1, 2027

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 29, effective January 1, 2027. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 53, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1990; and ch. 498, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1990. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 366, sec. 1.

186.065 State-owned vehicles -- How marked -- Exceptions.

(1) Every state-owned motor vehicle, except as provided in subsection (2), shall have an official license plate. Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4) on one

(1) door on each side of every state-owned vehicle shall be the great seal of the Commonwealth and the words "For Official Use Only."

(2) The Department of Revenue, the Transportation Cabinet, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, the Public Protection Cabinet, and the Attorney General may authorize registration under KRS 186.020 and be issued regular license plates for vehicles used for investigatory purposes. The Administrative Office of the Courts may authorize registration under KRS 186.020 and be issued regular license plates for vehicles used by justices and judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.

(3) The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor may each use one (1) state-owned motor vehicle on which it shall not be necessary to have the state seal or the words "For Official Use Only."

(4) The Justices and Judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals may each use state-owned motor vehicles on which it shall not be necessary to have the state seal or the words "For Official Use Only."

Effective: July 15, 2010

History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 234, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 10, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 28, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(7). -- Created 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 23, secs. 1, 2, and 3.

186.067 Publicly owned vehicles, how marked -- Exceptions.

(1) All publicly owned vehicles shall be properly identified by an insignia on one (1) door on each side of every such vehicle.

(2) Such insignia shall not be less than twelve (12) inches in width and not less than twenty-one (21) inches in length, of a design so chosen by the legislative body of the state, county, or city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

(3) The legislative body may designate a separate insignia for each division, department, agency, bureau or any other authority as may come under their jurisdiction within the state, county or city within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

(4) Publicly owned vehicle, as used in this section, means any vehicle paid for with public funds and used by an elected or appointed official or employee of the state, county or city within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to abrogate the provisions of KRS 44.045 and 186.065.

(6) The legislative body of any county or city may exempt from the provisions of this section any vehicle used for investigatory purposes.

Effective: June 16, 1972

History: Created 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 186, sec. 1, effective June 16, 1972.

186.068 Transit tag for transporting motor vehicle out of state -- Administrative regulations -- Exclusion of motor vehicle dealers and distributors.

(1) Individual sellers or owners of motor vehicles that would ordinarily be registered under KRS 186.050(3) may obtain a transit tag from the Transportation Cabinet in order to transport the motor vehicle out of state. The fee for each transit tag issued shall be five dollars ($5).

(2) A transit tag issued under this section shall be issued only for a motor vehicle which is ineligible for:

(a) Registration under KRS 186.050; or

(b) Temporary registration under KRS 186A.100.

(3) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to establish application forms and procedures for the issuance of transit tags. The application for a transit tag under this section shall be accompanied by proof of vehicle ownership and proof of insurance coverage in compliance with KRS 304.39-080.

(4) A transit tag issued under this section shall be placed on a motor vehicle in the same manner as a regular license plate.

(5) Transit tags issued under this section shall expire fifteen (15) days from the date of issuance, and shall be designed in a manner that clearly identifies the expiration date on the face of the tag in a tamper-resistant manner.

(6) This section shall not apply to motor vehicle dealers or distributors licensed under KRS Chapter 190.

Effective: January 1, 2014

History: Created 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 34, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2014.

186.070 Registration of manufacturers and dealers -- Dealer's plates and stickers -- Names of drivers authorized to use dealer's plates to be available to law enforcement agencies -- Revocation of licenses -- Appeal.

(1) (a) Every manufacturer of, or dealer in, motor vehicles in this state shall register with each county clerk in which his or her principal office or place of business and branch office, sub-agent, or agency is located, and pay an annual registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) to each clerk.

(b) Upon receipt of the twenty-five dollar ($25) fee, the clerk shall issue the manufacturer or dealer a certificate of registration and one (1) dealer plate. Every manufacturer or dealer registered under this section shall be furnished additional dealer's plates upon the payment of fourteen dollars and fifty cents ($14.50) for each additional plate requested. Three dollars ($3) shall be retained by the clerk for each additional plate issued.

A licensed dealer, bona fide salesman, or employee of the dealer;
A manufacturer or dealer licensed pursuant to the laws of this state transporting a motor vehicle to his or her place of retail business from a manufacturer or wholesale dealer in motor vehicles; and
A bona fide customer of a licensed dealer, or the customer's employees when a motor vehicle is being demonstrated. This provision shall be limited to one (1) trip or demonstration to the same prospective customer.

(d) License plates issued under this section shall annually expire on December 31.

(e) As used in this section, "bona fide salesman or employee" means a licensed salesman, or an employee, who is actively engaged in and devotes a substantial part of his or her time to the conduct of the dealer business.

(f) A vehicle bearing a dealer plate, except when the vehicle is being transported to a dealer's place of business from a manufacturer, shall have, in the case of a new motor vehicle, a "monroney" sticker attached to the vehicle, or, in the case of a used motor vehicle, a Federal Trade Commission buyer's guide sticker attached to the vehicle.

(2) (a) Each manufacturer and dealer when making application for dealer's plates shall file a verified statement on at least a quarterly basis with the county clerk, giving the name, address, and Social Security number of each dealer, and each bona fide salesman or employee entitled to the use of the plates for demonstration purposes only. When any bona fide registered salesman or employee is no longer employed by the manufacturer or dealer, the manufacturer or dealer shall file an amended verified statement with the clerk stating that fact, and when any additional salesmen or employees are employed, an amended verified statement showing their names and addresses shall be filed with the clerk so that the records in the clerk's office will at all times show the bona fide salesmen and employees actually in the service of the registered dealer or manufacturer;

(b) The names of each dealer and each bona fide salesman and employee shall be entered by the clerk into the AVIS where it will be readily available to law enforcement agencies. The information shall be entered by the clerk immediately after each quarterly filing of the verified statement by the dealer;

(c) Any person who is hired as a driver by a motor vehicle dealer for the limited, specific purpose of transporting a motor vehicle to or from that dealer's place of business may, for that purpose only, operate a motor vehicle bearing a dealer plate. For the purpose of that operation, the dealer shall provide to that driver a permit, provided by the Transportation Cabinet. The permit shall be valid for five (5) days from the date of issuance. A fee shall not be charged for the permit.

(3) The license of any dealer or manufacturer may be revoked by the Transportation Cabinet for the violation of any of the provisions of this section. The manufacturer or dealer shall be given an opportunity to be heard in defense of the charge that he or she has violated any of the provisions of this section, and the Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations governing the revocation procedure. A manufacturer or dealer whose license is revoked may appeal the revocation to the Board of Tax Appeals pursuant to KRS 49.220. The manufacturer or dealer whose license has been suspended shall be prohibited from engaging in the business of selling or buying motor vehicles. The license of any manufacturer or dealer shall be revoked for a period of one (1) year and his or her dealer's plates canceled if he or she violates any of the provisions of this section during this suspension period or has been suspended by the cabinet more than twice for violations of this section. At the end of the revocation or suspension period, the manufacturer or dealer whose license has been revoked or suspended and dealer's plates canceled may follow the provisions of this section and again be registered and secure dealer's plates from the clerk.

(4) The Transportation Cabinet shall be responsible for the issuance and cancellation of the plates provided for in this section, and the motor vehicle commission shall be responsible for the enforcement of this section, except for the normal responsibilities of law enforcement agencies. The cabinet may promulgate administrative regulations pertaining to the administration of this section.

Effective: June 29, 2021

History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 185, sec. 81, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 74, sec. 91, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 428, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 431, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 6, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(9). -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 173, sec. 1. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 40, Part IV, sec. 3. -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 141, sec. 31. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 6, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 186, Art IV, sec. 10. -- Amended 1950 Ky. Acts ch. 190, sec. 3, effective June 15, 1950. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-6.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). This section was amended by 1994 Ky. Acts chs. 84 and 428. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists, Acts ch. 428, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250.

186.072 Commercial motor vehicle temporary registration placard -- Application process -- Uses -- Record of use -- Activation.

(1) For the purposes of this section, "motor truck" and "truck tractor" shall have the same meaning as established in KRS 189.010.

(2) Any manufacturer, dealer, or distributor engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling, or customizing truck tractors or motor trucks may obtain a commercial motor vehicle temporary registration placard from the Department of Vehicle Regulation. The fee for each placard shall be one hundred dollars ($100) per placard and each applicant shall specify the number of placards to be issued. A company may make additional requests for temporary placards at any time it exhausts the placards supplied by the department.

(3) The commissioner shall prescribe the application form for the commercial vehicle temporary registration placard, require each applicant to submit proof of eligibility to receive the placard, and certify that the applicant has need of the placard in the ordinary course of business, and may request other information as part of the application process.

(4) The commercial vehicle temporary registration placard shall be placed on a truck tractor or motor truck in the same manner as a regular license plate. The temporary placard shall be issued if a permanent registration issued pursuant to KRS 186.050 or temporary registration issued pursuant to KRS 186A.100 cannot be obtained.

(5) The use of a commercial vehicle temporary placard shall be limited to the following activities:

(a) A demonstration of the truck tractor or motor truck to a prospective purchaser;

(b) The transportation of the truck tractor or motor truck to a facility engaged in the customizing of a motor vehicle for eventual use on the highway;

(c) The transportation of the truck tractor or motor truck to a trade show or other activity designed to promote the selling of the product; or

(d) The transportation of the truck tractor or motor truck by a purchaser to a location outside Kentucky, provided that the truck tractor or motor truck is not eligible to be registered in Kentucky.

(6) Each manufacturer, dealer, or distributor receiving the temporary placards shall maintain a record of use for each temporary placard to include the following:

(a) The make and model of each motor vehicle and the vehicle identification number or other identification number of each vehicle on which a placard is used;

(b) The date the placard was issued and the registration number of the placard;

(c) The address of the final destination and reason for movement of the truck tractor or motor truck receiving the temporary placard; and

(d) A record of insurance coverage or a binder for insurance coverage issued to the recipient of the temporary placard.

(7) A commercial vehicle temporary placard shall not be activated until it is placed upon the truck tractor or motor truck and used in a manner as authorized by subsection (5) of this section. The commercial vehicle temporary placard shall expire thirty (30) days after it is activated and placed in use on a truck tractor or motor truck and shall be designed in a manner that an expiration date shall be noted clearly on the face of the placard.

Effective: July 15, 2008

History: Created 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2008). While the lead-in language for this statute in 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 1 provided that "A NEW SECTION KRS 186 (sic) IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:" it is clear that a new statute was actually being created and the Reviser of Statutes has codified it as such to effectuate that intent.

186.073 Commercial trailer temporary registration placard -- Application process -

Uses -- Record of use -- Activation.

(1) For the purposes of this section, "semitrailer" and "trailer" shall have the same meaning as established in KRS 186.650.

(2) Any manufacturer, dealer, or distributor engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling, or customizing commercial semitrailers or commercial trailers may obtain a commercial trailer temporary registration placard from the Department of Vehicle Regulation. The fee for each placard shall be five dollars ($5) per placard and each applicant shall specify the number of placards to be issued. A company may make additional requests for temporary placards at any time it exhausts the placards supplied by the department.

(3) The commissioner shall prescribe the application form for the commercial trailer temporary registration placard, require each applicant to submit proof of eligibility to receive the placard, and certify that the applicant has need of the placard in the ordinary course of business, and may request other information as part of the application process.

(4) The commercial trailer temporary registration placard shall be placed on a semitrailer or trailer in the same manner as a regular trailer license plate. The temporary placard shall be issued if a permanent registration issued pursuant to KRS 186.655 cannot be obtained.

(5) The use of a commercial trailer temporary registration placard shall be limited to the following activities:

(a) A demonstration of the semitrailer or trailer to a prospective purchaser;

(b) The transportation of the semitrailer or trailer to a facility engaged in the customizing of a motor vehicle for eventual use on the highway;

(c) The transportation of the semitrailer or trailer to a trade show or other activity designed to promote the selling of the product;

(d) The transportation of the semitrailer or trailer by a purchaser to a location outside Kentucky, provided that the semitrailer or trailer is not eligible to be registered in Kentucky; or

(e) Transportation of a trailer or semitrailer from the manufacturer to a place of business in Kentucky in order to obtain a permanent registration issued pursuant to KRS 186.655.

(6) Each manufacturer, dealer, or distributor receiving the temporary placards shall maintain a record of use for each temporary placard to include the following:

(a) The make and model of each semitrailer or trailer and the vehicle identification number or other identification number of each vehicle on which a placard is used;

(b) The date the placard was issued and the registration number of the placard; and

(c) The address of the final destination and reason for movement of the semitrailer or trailer receiving the temporary placard.

(7) A commercial trailer temporary registration placard shall not be activated until it is placed upon the semitrailer or trailer and used in a manner as authorized by subsection (5) of this section. The commercial trailer temporary registration placard shall expire thirty (30) days after it is activated and placed in use on a semitrailer or trailer and shall be designed in a manner that an expiration date shall be noted clearly on the face of the placard.

Effective: July 15, 2008

History: Created 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2008.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2008). While the lead-in language for this statute in 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 2 provided that "A NEW SECTION OF KRS 186 (sic) IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:" it is clear that a new statute was actually being created and the Reviser of Statutes has codified it as such to effectuate that intent.

186.074 Repealed, 1982.

[Repealed]

186.076 Repealed, 1986.

[Repealed]

186.077 Street-legal special purpose vehicles -- Requirements -- Prohibitions -- Registration, inspection, and renewal -- Administrative regulations. (Effective until January 1, 2028)

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Local government" means a city, county, charter county government, urban- county government, consolidated local government, or unified local government;

(b) 1. "Special purpose vehicle" means an all-terrain vehicle, utility terrain vehicle, minitruck, pneumatic-tired military vehicle, or full-size special purpose-built vehicle, including a vehicle that is self-constructed or built by the original equipment manufacturer and a vehicle that has been modified.

"Special purpose vehicle" does not include a low-speed vehicle as defined in KRS 186.010; and

(c) 1. "Street-legal special purpose vehicle" means a special purpose vehicle that meets the requirements of this section and is equipped with all of the following:

a. One (1) or more headlamps;

b. One (1) or more tail lamps;

c. One (1) or more brake lamps;

d. A trail lamp or other lamp constructed and placed to illuminate the registration plate with a white light;

e. One (1) or more red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle;

f. An amber electric turn system, one (1) on each side of the front of the vehicle;

g. Amber or red electric turn signals on the rear of the vehicle;

h. A braking system, other than a parking brake;

i. A horn or other warning device;

j. A working muffler;

k. Rearview mirrors on the right and left side of the driver;

l. A windshield, unless the operator of the vehicle wears eye protection while operating the vehicle;

m. A speedometer, illuminated for nighttime operation;

n. A roll bar or roll cage;

o. For multi-passenger vehicles, a seatbelt assembly that conforms to the federal motor vehicle safety standard provided in 49 C.F.R.

sec. 571.209 for each designated seating position; and

p. Tires that have at least two thirty-seconds (2/32) of an inch or greater tire tread.

"Street-legal special purpose vehicle" does not include a low-speed vehicle as defined in KRS 186.010 or a vehicle primarily used for farm or agricultural activities.

(2) A person shall not operate a street-legal special purpose vehicle on a highway if:

(a) The highway is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of a local government where the operation of special purpose vehicles has not been allowed by local ordinance;

(b) The highway is a controlled-access system, including but not limited to an interstate or parkway; or

(3) Nothing in this section authorizes the operation of a street-legal special purpose vehicle in an area that is not open to motor vehicle use.

(4) Street-legal special purpose vehicles are prohibited from traveling a distance greater than twenty (20) miles on a highway displaying centerline pavement markings.

(5) Minitrucks shall not be operated as street-legal special purpose vehicles on a highway that has been constructed pursuant to a federal highway program.

(6) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a street-legal special purpose vehicle shall:

(a) Be registered in accordance with KRS 186.020;

(b) Be insured by the owner or operator for the payment of tort liabilities in the same form and amounts as set forth in KRS 304.39-110 for motorcycles; and

(7) Upon registration of any street-legal special purpose vehicle under KRS 186.020, the county clerk shall issue the owner a motorcycle registration plate for the vehicle.

(8) Street-legal special purpose vehicles shall have an inspection completed by a certified inspector as required by KRS 186A.115.

(9) An applicant renewing his or her registration for a street-legal special purpose vehicle pursuant to KRS 186.020 shall be considered to have certified that the street-legal special purpose vehicle still meets all of the equipment requirements in subsection (1)(c)1. of this section.

(10) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to implement this section.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 16, effective July 15, 2026. -- Created 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2025.

186.077 Street-legal special purpose vehicles -- Requirements -- Prohibitions -- Registration, inspection, and renewal -- Administrative regulations. (Effective January 1, 2028)

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Local government" means a city, county, charter county government, urban- county government, consolidated local government, or unified local government;

"Special purpose vehicle" does not include a low-speed vehicle as defined in KRS 186.010; and

(c) 1. "Street-legal special purpose vehicle" means a special purpose vehicle that meets the requirements of this section and is equipped with all of the following:

a. One (1) or more headlamps;

b. One (1) or more tail lamps;

c. One (1) or more brake lamps;

d. A trail lamp or other lamp constructed and placed to illuminate the registration plate with a white light;

e. One (1) or more red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle;

f. An amber electric turn system, one (1) on each side of the front of the vehicle;

g. Amber or red electric turn signals on the rear of the vehicle;

h. A braking system, other than a parking brake;

i. A horn or other warning device;

j. A working muffler;

k. Rearview mirrors on the right and left side of the driver;

l. A windshield, unless the operator of the vehicle wears eye protection while operating the vehicle;

m. A speedometer, illuminated for nighttime operation;

n. A roll bar or roll cage;

o. For multi-passenger vehicles, a seatbelt assembly that conforms to the federal motor vehicle safety standard provided in 49 C.F.R.

sec. 571.209 for each designated seating position; and

p. Tires that have at least two thirty-seconds (2/32) of an inch or greater tire tread.

"Street-legal special purpose vehicle" does not include a low-speed vehicle as defined in KRS 186.010 or a vehicle primarily used for farm or agricultural activities.

(2) A person shall not operate a street-legal special purpose vehicle on a highway if:

(a) The highway is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of a local government where the operation of special purpose vehicles has not been allowed by local ordinance;

(b) The highway is a controlled-access system, including but not limited to an interstate or parkway; or

(3) Nothing in this section authorizes the operation of a street-legal special purpose vehicle in an area that is not open to motor vehicle use.

(4) Street-legal special purpose vehicles are prohibited from traveling a distance greater than twenty (20) miles on a highway displaying centerline pavement markings.

(5) Minitrucks shall not be operated as street-legal special purpose vehicles on a highway that has been constructed pursuant to a federal highway program.

(6) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a street-legal special purpose vehicle shall:

(a) Be registered in accordance with KRS 186.020;

(b) Be insured by the owner or operator for the payment of tort liabilities in the same form and amounts as set forth in KRS 304.39-110 for motorcycles; and

(7) Street-legal special purpose vehicles shall be exempt from state and local ad valorem taxes in accordance with KRS 132.096.

(8) Upon registration of any street-legal special purpose vehicle under KRS 186.020, the county clerk shall issue the owner a motorcycle registration plate for the vehicle.

(9) Street-legal special purpose vehicles shall have an inspection completed by a certified inspector as required by KRS 186A.115.

(10) An applicant renewing his or her registration for a street-legal special purpose vehicle pursuant to KRS 186.020 shall be considered to have certified that the street-legal special purpose vehicle still meets all of the equipment requirements in subsection (1)(c)1. of this section.

(11) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to implement this section.

Effective: January 1, 2028

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 16, effective July 15, 2026; and ch. 135, sec. 40, effective January 1, 2028. -- Created 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2025.

Legislative Research Commission Note (1/1/2028). This statute was amended by 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, secs. 16 and 40, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

186.078 Local government ordinance on operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles permitted.

(1) The legislative body of a local government may, by ordinance, allow the operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles, as defined in KRS 186.077, on highways within the local government's jurisdictional boundaries.

(2) A local government may adopt more stringent local ordinances governing street- legal special purpose vehicle safety equipment and operation than specified in KRS 186.077.

Effective: June 27, 2025

History: Created 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 2, effective June 27, 2025.

186.080 Repealed, 1950.

[Repealed]

186.090 Repealed, 1950.

[Repealed]

186.100 Repealed, 1950.

[Repealed]

186.110 Interchangeable bodies -- Fees.

(1) If a person owns a motor vehicle which has interchangeable bodies for same so that at one time the motor vehicle may be classed as a passenger automobile and at another time as a truck, has registered same as a passenger automobile, he shall, before using it as a truck, pay the registration fee required for trucks in KRS 186.050. In such case the owner shall be allowed credit for the unearned portion of the passenger registration fee on the truck registration fee.

(2) A passenger automobile shall be construed to have been converted into a truck when the change is such as to enable same to be used as a commercial vehicle.

History: Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 78, secs. 3 and 8. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-3.

186.115 Registration of vehicle assembled from parts of wrecked or salvaged motor vehicles.

When the owner of a motor vehicle which has been assembled from parts from wrecked or salvaged motor vehicles presents such a vehicle for registration, he or she shall submit an affidavit and any invoices showing the purchase of such parts to either the county clerk or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's central office in Frankfort. The county clerk shall forward all applications received to the Transportation Cabinet. The cabinet will either authorize or prohibit the registration of the vehicle.

Effective: June 25, 2013

History: Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 35, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 332, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 18, effective June 19, 1976.

186.120 Refund of portion of fee when motor vehicle destroyed.

(1) If any motor vehicle other than a commercial vehicle upon which the license tax has been paid is destroyed by fire or accident, so that the vehicle is rendered entirely useless the owner shall be entitled to have refunded to him a part of the license fee paid by him proportionate to the registration period for which the license was granted.

(2) If any commercial vehicle upon which the license tax has been paid is destroyed by fire or accident so that the vehicle is rendered entirely useless the owner is entitled to have refunded to him that portion of the tax which he had theretofore paid allocable to the remaining complete quarters of the unexpired period for which the tax was paid.

(3) To obtain the refund, the owner whose motor vehicle has been destroyed shall apply to the Transportation Cabinet, submitting his affidavit and the affidavits of two (2) reputable persons, attesting to the fact that the vehicle has been destroyed, and the manner of destruction, and shall return the original license plates to the Transportation Cabinet. The Transportation Cabinet shall examine all applications and investigate the claims for refund, and if a claim is found to be correct, it shall approve it for payment, whereupon the Finance and Administration Cabinet shall draw a warrant upon the State Treasurer in favor of the owner of the destroyed vehicle, and charge the amount of it to the state road fund.

Effective: June 19, 1976

History: Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 7, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. II, sec. 9(1); and ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(9). -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 9, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 7, effective January 1, 1963. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-2e, 2739g-2f.

186.130 Proportionate fees for commercial vehicle operated after registration year began.

If any person offers a commercial vehicle for registration after April 1 of any year by reason of not having operated such vehicle on the public highways after April 1 of that year, the registration fee shall be as many twelfths of the annual fee as there are unexpired months in the registration year.

Effective: July 15, 1996

History: Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 97, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 113, sec. 2, effective April 1, 1991. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 6, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 8, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 10, effective January 1, 1967. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-4.

186.140 Reciprocity for nonresidents.

Except as provided in KRS 281.835 and 281.836, a nonresident owner, from a state not requiring registration of nonresidents temporarily in it, who has complied with the laws of the state of his residence relating to registration of motor vehicles, and who displays the requisite plates and holds the requisite receipt or certificate of registration as required by his resident state, shall be exempt from registration in this state for the same period of time as is granted to nonresident owners by the laws and regulations of his state. Registration in any other state shall not relieve any owner resident in this state from the penalties provided in KRS 186.990.

Effective: June 18, 1970

History: Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 3, effective June 18, 1970. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g- 5.

186.145 Registration of nonresident by use of copy of registration or title document.

Any motor vehicle properly registered and titled in another state belonging to a nonresident, which vehicle is required to be registered in this state by reason of lack of reciprocal agreement with the state in which it is registered, or by reason of not qualifying for reciprocity under an existing reciprocal agreement with the state in which it is registered, may be registered with the county clerk by presenting a photostat or certified copy of the registration receipt or certificate of title issued to the nonresident in his home state. The registration receipt issued by the county clerk shall be stamped across its face with a notation prescribed by the cabinet that will indicate the registration receipt so issued cannot be used in transferring legal title to the motor vehicle. However, under regulations prescribed by the cabinet, a registration receipt so issued may be transferred to a new owner if the foreign legal title and registration is transferred in that state to the new owner. Nothing contained in this section shall release the owner of the vehicle from any tax fees or other requirements imposed by law.

Effective: March 19, 1968

History: Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 40, Part IV, sec. 4, effective March 19, 1968. -- Created 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 3.

186.150 Residents not to use license of other states.

(1) No resident operating a motor vehicle on the highways, shall secure or license the motor vehicle in any state other than Kentucky unless so licensed in conformity with a motor vehicle reciprocal arrangement or under the international registration plan.

(2) The use of a license of any state other than Kentucky by a resident of this state on his car driven over Kentucky highways shall be prima facie evidence of guilt.

Effective: July 15, 1986

History: Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 431, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1986. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739g-5a, 2739g-5b.

186.160 Motor numbers essential to registration -- Assignment of number.

No clerk shall receive an application for registration nor register a motor vehicle, unless the motor vehicle bears a motor number or a vehicle identification number. If there is no motor number or vehicle identification number, or if the number is not plainly legible, the owner shall apply through the clerk to the Transportation Cabinet for a motor number or vehicle identification number, and when that number is assigned to the owner's motor vehicle the owner shall cause the number to be stamped on the motor with a steel die or in the space provided by manufacturer for vehicle identification number. That number shall thereafter be used by the owner in making registration or executing a bill of sale.

Effective: January 1, 1963

History: Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 8, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 4. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-8.

186.162 Special license plates for members or supporters of certain groups and organizations -- Initial and renewal fees -- Combination of special license plate with personalized license plate -- Special license plates for motorcycles. (Effective until January 1, 2027)

(1) As used in this section and in KRS 186.043, 186.164, 186.166, 186.1722, and 186.174:

(a) "Special license plate" means a unique license plate issued under this chapter to a group or organization that readily identifies the operator of the motor vehicle or motorcycle bearing the plate as a member of a group or organization, or a supporter of the work, goals, or mission of a group or organization. The term shall not include regular license plates issued under KRS 186.240;

(b) "Street rod" means a modernized private passenger motor vehicle manufactured prior to the year 1949, or designed or manufactured to resemble a vehicle manufactured prior to 1949;

(c) "SF" means the portion of an initial or renewal fee to obtain a special license plate that is dedicated for use by the Transportation Cabinet;

(d) "CF" means the county clerk's fee for issuing a motor vehicle registration as established under KRS 186.040(1). If a CF amount is charged for a license plate listed in this section, the applicant for that plate shall also pay the fees identified in KRS 186.040(6). If a CF amount is not charged, the applicant shall not be required to pay those fees; and

(e) "EF" means the portion of an initial or renewal fee to obtain a special license plate that is mandated by this chapter to be dedicated for use by a particular group or organization.

(2) The initial purchase fee and renewal fee for a special license plate created under this chapter shall be as established in this subsection and includes the name of group or organization and the total initial and renewal fee required for the plate. The amount in parentheses indicates how the total fee is required to be divided:

(a) Disabled veterans who receive assistance to purchase a vehicle from the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, veterans declared by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs to be one hundred percent (100%) service-connected disabled, and recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor:

Initial Fee: $0 ($0 SF/$0 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $0 ($0 SF/$0 CF/$0 EF).

(b) Former prisoners of war, recipients of the Purple Heart, and survivors of Pearl Harbor:

Initial Fee: $23 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).
Renewal Fee: $11 ($0 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

Initial Fee: $23 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the National Guard Association of Kentucky).
Renewal Fee: $11 ($0 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the National Guard Association of Kentucky).

(d) Members of the Civil Air Patrol; active, retired, veteran, reserve, or auxiliary members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard; Merchant Marines who served between December 7, 1941, and August 15, 1945; recipients of the Silver Star Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge, or the Bronze Star Medal; persons who wish to receive Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Fathers, or Gold Star Spouses license plates beyond the two (2) exempted from fees under KRS 186.041(6); individuals eligible for a special military service academy license plate under KRS 186.041(8); individuals eligible for a special military unit license plate under KRS 186.163; and disabled veterans who have been declared to be between fifty percent (50%) and ninety-nine percent (99%) service-connected disabled by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs:

Initial Fee: $23 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).
Renewal Fee: $23 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(e) Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross:

Initial Fee: $6 ($0 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $6 ($0 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).

(f) Disabled license plates:

Initial Fee: $18 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $18 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).

(g) Historic vehicles:

Initial Fee for two plates: $56 ($50 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: Do not renew annually.

(h) Members of Congress:

Initial Fee: $43 ($37 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $23 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(i) Firefighters:

Initial Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Firefighters Association).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Firefighters Association).

(j) Emergency management:

Initial Fee: $31 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $18 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).

(k) Fraternal Order of Police:

Initial Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky FOP Death Benefit Fund).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky FOP Death Benefit Fund).

(l) Law Enforcement Memorial:

Initial Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, Inc.).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, Inc.).

(m) Personalized plates for a motor vehicle that is required to be registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(1), (3)(a), or (4)(a), or a motorcycle required to be registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(2):

Initial Fee: $43 ($37 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $43 ($37 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).

(n) Street rods:

Initial Fee: $43 ($37 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $18 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).

(o) Nature plates:

Initial Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund established under KRS 146.570).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund established under KRS 146.570).

(p) Amateur radio:

Initial Fee: $43 ($37 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $18 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).

(q) Kentucky General Assembly:

Initial Fee: $43 ($37 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $23 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(r) Kentucky Court of Justice:

Initial Fee: $43 ($37 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $11 ($0 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(s) Masons:

Initial Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Masonic Homes of Kentucky).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Masonic Homes of Kentucky).

(t) Collegiate plates:

Initial Fee: $53 ($37 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the general scholarship fund of the university whose name will be borne on the plate).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the general scholarship fund of the university whose name will be borne on the plate).

(u) Independent Colleges:

Initial Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities for distribution to the general scholarship funds of the Association's members).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities for distribution to the general scholarship funds of the Association's members).

(v) Child Victims:

Initial Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the child victims' trust fund established under KRS 41.400).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the child victims' trust fund established under KRS 41.400).

(w) Kentucky Horse Council:

Initial Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Horse Council).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Horse Council).

(x) Ducks Unlimited:

Initial Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to Kentucky Ducks Unlimited).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to Kentucky Ducks Unlimited).

(y) Spay neuter:

Initial Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the animal control and care fund established under KRS 258.119).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the animal control and care fund established under KRS 258.119).

(z) Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Fathers, or Gold Star Spouses:

Initial Fee: $0 ($0 SF/$0 CF/ $0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $0 ($0 SF/$0 CF/ $0 EF).
A person may receive a maximum of two (2) plates under this paragraph free of charge and may purchase additional plates for fees as established in subsection (2)(d) of this section.

(aa) I Support Veterans:

Initial Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs).

(ab) Gold Star Siblings, Gold Star Sons, or Gold Star Daughters:

Initial Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(ac) POW/MIA Awareness:

Initial Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).
Renewal Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(ad) Personalized plates for a recreational vehicle that is required to be registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(11):

Initial Fee: $51 ($45 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $51 ($45 SF/$6 CF/$0 EF).

(ae) Friends of Kentucky Agriculture:

Initial Fee: $28 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF to the Friends of Kentucky Agriculture fund established under KRS 246.243).
Renewal Fee: $23 ($12 SF/$6 CF/$5 EF to the Friends of Kentucky Agriculture fund established under KRS 246.243).

(af) Special license plates established under KRS 186.164:

Initial Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF).
Renewal Fee: $41 ($25 SF/$6 CF/$10 EF).

(3) Any special license plate may be combined with a personalized license plate for a twenty-five dollar ($25) state fee in addition to all other fees for the particular special license plate established in this section and in KRS 186.164(3). The twenty- five dollar ($25) fee required under this subsection shall be divided between the cabinet and the county clerk of the county where the applicant is applying for the license plate with the cabinet receiving twenty dollars ($20) and the county clerk receiving five dollars ($5).

(4) (a) A sponsoring organization of any special license plate issued under this section or any special license plate established under the provisions of KRS 186.164 may petition the cabinet for the production of that special license plate for motorcycles.

(b) The cabinet shall make all of the special military license plates in this section available for motorcycles owned or leased by eligible individuals.

(c) Owners and lessees of motorcycles registered under KRS 186.050(2) may be eligible to receive special license plates approved by the cabinet under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection. Applicants for a special license plate for a motorcycle shall be required to pay the fee for a special plate as prescribed in this section or in KRS 186.164. The fee paid for the special plate for a motorcycle shall be in lieu of the registration fee required under KRS 186.050(2).

(5) The Transportation Cabinet shall:

(a) Identify the cost of issuing a child victims' trust fund special license plate under subsection (2)(v) of this section; and

(b) Transfer any revenue received from the initial or renewal SF fee that is in excess of the cost identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection to the child victims' trust fund established under KRS 41.400.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 161, sec. 99, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 31, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2025; ch. 100, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2024; and ch. 166, sec. 30, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 185, sec. 5, effective January 1, 2024. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 105, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2022. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 107, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2018. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 32, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2016. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 56, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2014; and ch. 91, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2015. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 2, effective upon contingency. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 33, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010; ch. 72, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2001; ch. 113, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2010; and ch. 129, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 30, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2008; and ch. 164, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 23, sec. 1, effective June 26, 2007; and ch. 39, sec. 1, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006; and ch. 190, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006. -- Created 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 1, effective June 20, 2005.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2024). 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 166, sec. 66, provides that the amendments to this statute in that Act apply to fiscal years beginning or after July 1, 2020.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012). The amendment to this statute in 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 2, takes effect on July 12, 2012. The effective date of that amendment was subject to a contingency, but the contingency was removed in 2012. Section 5 of 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 139, which is effective July 12, 2012, repeals 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 4, which established the contingency. Section 6 of 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 139 states, "KRS 186.162 and 186.1722, as created or amended by 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, relating to an I Support Veterans special license plate, shall be effective on the normal effective date for the legislation enacted at the 2012 Regular Session of the General Assembly." The normal effective date for that 2012 legislation is July 12, 2012.

Legislative Research Commission Note (6/20/2005). Under the authority of KRS 7.135(1)(h), during codification a manifest clerical or typographical error occurring in 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 1(2)(c)2., has been corrected by changing "OSF" to "SF" to conform with definitions for that section found in Section 1(1)(c) of that Act.

186.162 Special license plates for members or supporters of certain groups and organizations -- Initial and renewal fees -- Combination of special license plate with personalized license plate -- Special license plates for motorcycles. (Effective January 1, 2027)

(1) As used in this section and in KRS 186.043, 186.164, 186.166, 186.1722, and 186.174:

(b) "Street rod" means a modernized private passenger motor vehicle manufactured prior to the year 1949, or designed or manufactured to resemble a vehicle manufactured prior to 1949;

(c) "SF" means the portion of an initial or renewal fee to obtain a special license plate that is dedicated for use by the Transportation Cabinet;

(d) "CF" means the county clerk's fee for issuing a motor vehicle registration as established under KRS 186.040(1). Unless otherwise noted, an applicant for one (1) of the license plates listed in subsection (2) of this section shall pay both the CF amount and the fees identified in KRS 186.040(6). If a CF amount is not charged, the applicant shall not be required to pay those fees; and

(e) "EF" means the portion of an initial or renewal fee to obtain a special license plate that is mandated by this chapter to be dedicated for use by a particular group or organization.

Initial Fee: $0 ($0 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $0 ($0 SF/$0 EF).

(b) Former prisoners of war, recipients of the Purple Heart, and survivors of Pearl Harbor:

Initial Fee: $17 ($12 SF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).
Renewal Fee: $5 ($0 SF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

Initial Fee: $17 ($12 SF/$5 EF to the National Guard Association of Kentucky).
Renewal Fee: $5 ($0 SF/$5 EF to the National Guard Association of Kentucky).

Initial Fee: $17 ($12 SF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).
Renewal Fee: $17 ($12 SF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(e) Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross:

Initial Fee: $0 ($0 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $0 ($0 SF/$0 EF).

(f) Disabled license plates:

Initial Fee: $12 ($12 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $12 ($12 SF/$0 EF).

(g) Historic vehicles:

Initial Fee for two plates: $50 ($50 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: Do not renew annually.

(h) Members of Congress:

Initial Fee: $37 ($37 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $17 ($12 SF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(i) Firefighters:

Initial Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Firefighters Association).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Firefighters Association).

(j) Emergency management:

Initial Fee: $25 ($25 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $12 ($12 SF/$0 EF).

(k) Fraternal Order of Police:

Initial Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF to the KentuckyFOP Death Benefit Fund).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the KentuckyFOP Death Benefit Fund).

(l) Law Enforcement Memorial:

Initial Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, Inc.).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, Inc.).

Initial Fee: $37 ($37 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $37 ($37 SF/$0 EF).

(n) Street rods:

Initial Fee: $37 ($37 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $12 ($12 SF/$0 EF).

(o) Nature plates:

Initial Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund established under KRS 146.570).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund established under KRS 146.570).

(p) Amateur radio:

Initial Fee: $37 ($37 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $12 ($12 SF/$0 EF).

(q) Kentucky General Assembly:

Initial Fee: $37 ($37 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $17 ($12 SF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(r) Kentucky Court of Justice:

Initial Fee: $37 ($37 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $5 ($0 SF/$5 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(s) Masons:

Initial Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF to the Masonic Homes of Kentucky).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the Masonic Homes of Kentucky).

(t) Collegiate plates:

Initial Fee: $47 ($37 SF/$10 EF to the general scholarship fund of the university whose name will be borne on the plate).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the general scholarship fund of the university whose name will be borne on the plate).

(u) Independent Colleges:

Initial Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF to the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities for distribution to the general scholarship funds of the Association's members).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities for distribution to the general scholarship funds of the Association's members).

(v) Child Victims:

Initial Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF to the child victims' trust fund established under KRS 41.400).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the child victims' trust fund established under KRS 41.400).

(w) Kentucky Horse Council:

Initial Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Horse Council).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Horse Council).

(x) Ducks Unlimited:

Initial Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF to Kentucky Ducks Unlimited).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to Kentucky Ducks Unlimited).

(y) Spay neuter:

Initial Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the animal control and care fund established under KRS 258.119).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the animal control and care fund established under KRS 258.119).

(z) Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Fathers, or Gold Star Spouses (no CF charged):

Initial Fee: $0 ($0 SF/ $0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $0 ($0 SF/ $0 EF).
A person may receive a maximum of two (2) plates under this paragraph free of charge and may purchase additional plates for fees as established in subsection (2)(d) of this section.

(aa) I Support Veterans:

Initial Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs).

(ab) Gold Star Siblings, Gold Star Sons, or Gold Star Daughters:

Initial Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(ac) POW/MIA Awareness:

Initial Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).
Renewal Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460).

(ad) Personalized plates for a recreational vehicle that is required to be registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(11):

Initial Fee: $45 ($45 SF/$0 EF).
Renewal Fee: $45 ($45 SF/$0 EF).

(ae) Friends of Kentucky Agriculture:

Initial Fee: $22 ($12 SF/$10 EF to the Friends of Kentucky Agriculture fund established under KRS 246.243).
Renewal Fee: $17 ($12 SF/$5 EF to the Friends of Kentucky Agriculture fund established under KRS 246.243).

(af) Special license plates established under KRS 186.164:

Initial Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF).
Renewal Fee: $35 ($25 SF/$10 EF).

(b) The cabinet shall make all of the special military license plates in this section available for motorcycles owned or leased by eligible individuals.

(5) The Transportation Cabinet shall:

(a) Identify the cost of issuing a child victims' trust fund special license plate under subsection (2)(v) of this section; and

Effective: January 1, 2027

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 30, effective January 1, 2027; and ch. 161, sec. 99, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 31, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2025; ch. 100, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2024; and ch. 166, sec. 30, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 185, sec. 5, effective January 1, 2024. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 105, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2022. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 107, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2018. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 32, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2016. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 56, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2014; and ch. 91, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2015. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 2, effective upon contingency. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 33, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010; ch. 72, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2001; ch. 113, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2010; and ch. 129, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 30, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2008; and ch. 164, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 23, sec. 1, effective June 26, 2007; and ch. 39, sec. 1, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006; and ch. 190, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006. -- Created 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 1, effective June 20, 2005.

Legislative Research Commission Note (1/1/2027). This statute was amended by 2026 Ky. Acts chs. 135 and 161, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2024). 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 166, sec. 66, provides that the amendments to this statute in that Act apply to fiscal years beginning or after July 1, 2020.

186.163 Special license plates for specified military units -- Qualifications -- Proof required.

(1) The Transportation Cabinet shall produce special military unit license plates for owners and lessees of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles who are associated with the following units of the United States military:

(a) The V Corps;

(b) The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault);

(d) The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment;

(e) The United States Army Human Resources Command;

(f) The United States Army Recruiting Command; or

(g) The United States Army Cadet Command.

(2) Each initial and renewal application for a special military unit license plate by a person who meets the criteria of paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection and each initial application by a person who meets the criteria of paragraph (c) or (d) of this subsection shall be accompanied by proof as set out in subsection (3) of this section that the person is associated with one (1) of the military units identified in subsection (1) of this section in one (1) of the following ways:

(a) A member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the member's spouse, or the member's dependent child;

(b) A Department of Defense civilian employee assigned to support one (1) of the military units, the employee's spouse, or the employee's dependent child;

(d) A veteran who received a discharge under honorable conditions, or the veteran's surviving spouse, and:

Performed one hundred eighty (180) days of active military service;
Received an early release due to injury or other medical condition, or at the convenience of the service;
Received a hardship discharge;
Was separated or retired due to a disability; or
Was determined to have a service-connected disability incurred during the enlistment.

(3) (a) Prior to receiving a special military unit license plate requested under this section, the member shall present the following as proof of eligibility an original or copy of his or her:

Unexpired Veteran Identification Card or Veteran Health Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;
DD-2, DD-214, DD-256, or DD-257 form; or
Unexpired Geneva Conventions Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Defense.

(b) A civilian employee of the Department of Defense who meets the criteria for a special military unit license plate under this section shall be eligible for a special military unit license plate and shall present as proof of eligibility an original or copy of one (1) of the following:

His or her current SF 50 form; or
Other Department of Defense documentation showing current employment.

(c) The legally married spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a Department of Defense employee who meets the criteria for a special military unit license plate under this section shall be eligible for a special military unit license plate and shall present as proof of eligibility an original or copy of his or her marriage certificate establishing marriage to the member of the Armed Forces of the United States or to the Department of Defense employee and an original or copy of one (1) of the following:

His or her unexpired DD-1173 form;
Any identification document outlined in paragraph (a) of this subsection issued to his or her spouse;
A current SF 50 form issued to his or her spouse; or
Other Department of Defense documentation showing current employment of his or her spouse.

(d) The dependent child of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a Department of Defense civilian employee who meets the criteria for a special military unit license plate under this section shall be eligible for a special military unit license plate and shall present as proof of eligibility establishing that he or she is a dependent child an original or copy of his or her birth certificate or certificate of adoption, a valid operator's license, and an original or copy of one (1) of the following:

Any identification document outlined in paragraph (a) of this subsection issued to his or her parent;
A current SF 50 form issued to his or her parent; or
Other Department of Defense documentation showing current employment of his or her parent.

(4) The member, retired member, civilian employee, spouse, or dependent child may purchase an unlimited number of special military unit license plates described in subsection (1) of this section annually for vehicles they own or lease.

Effective: July 14, 2022

History: Created 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 105, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2022.

186.164 Collection and distribution of special license plate fees -- Design, printing, and replacement -- Application process -- Voluntary contribution for designated group -- Administrative regulations -- Audit of special license plate funds -- Annual report.

(1) The SF portion of the fee required under KRS 186.162 shall include the fee to reflectorize all license plates under KRS 186.240. All EF fees required under KRS 186.162 shall be collected at the time of an initial or renewal application by the county clerk who shall forward the EF fee to the cabinet. The cabinet shall remit EF fees to the fund, group, or organization identified in KRS 186.162 on a quarterly basis. The cabinet may retain any investment income earned from holding EF fees designated to be remitted under this subsection to offset administrative costs incurred by the cabinet in the administration of EF fees.

(2) A special license plate shall be the color and design selected by the group or organization identified in subsection (13) of this section, contingent upon the approval of the Transportation Cabinet. In addition to the design selected for a special license plate, the name "Kentucky," an annual renewal decal, and any combination of letters or numerals required by the cabinet in the design shall also appear on the plate.

(3) An actual metal special license plate shall be issued on the same schedule as regular license plates are issued under KRS 186.240. The cabinet shall have the discretion to extend the time period that will exist between the date a metal special license plate is issued and the date that regular plates are issued under KRS 186.240. A renewal registration decal shall be issued all other years during the owner's or lessee's birth month, except as provided in KRS 186.041(2) and 186.042(5). A person seeking a special license plate for a vehicle provided as part of the person's occupation shall conform to the requirements of KRS 186.050(14).

(4) (a) If a special license plate issued under this chapter deteriorates to the point that the lettering, numbering, or images on the face of the plate are not legible, the plate shall be replaced free of charge, if the owner or lessee has not transferred the vehicle to which the plate was issued during the current licensing period.

(b) If a special license plate issued under this chapter is lost, stolen, or damaged in an accident, the county clerk shall issue a new plate upon payment of a three dollar ($3) county clerk fee, if the owner or lessee has not transferred the vehicle to which the plate was issued during the current licensing period.

(5) Upon the sale, transfer, or termination of a lease of a vehicle with any special license plate issued under this chapter, the owner or lessee shall remove the special plate and return it and the certificate of registration to the county clerk. The county clerk shall reissue the owner or lessee a regular license plate and a certificate of registration upon payment of a three dollar ($3) county clerk fee. If the owner or lessee requests, the county clerk shall reissue the special plate upon payment of a three dollar ($3) county clerk fee for use on any other vehicle of the same classification and category owned, leased, or acquired by the person during the current licensing period. If the owner or lessee has the special plate reissued to a vehicle which has been previously registered in this state, the regular license plate that is being replaced shall be returned to the county clerk who shall forward the plate to the Transportation Cabinet.

(6) A special license plate may be issued to the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle that is required to be registered under KRS 186.050(1), (3)(a), or (4)(a), except a special license plate shall not be issued to a taxicab, limousine, or U-Drive-It registered and licensed under this chapter or KRS Chapter 281. A person applying for a special license plate shall apply in the office of the county clerk in the county of the person's residence, except as provided in KRS 186.168(3). All special license plates issued under this chapter may be combined with a personalized license plate under the provisions of KRS 186.174. The fee to combine a special license plate with a personalized license plate shall be as established in KRS 186.162(3).

(7) Within thirty (30) days of termination from election to, appointment to, or membership with any group or organization, an applicant to whom a special license plate was issued under this chapter shall return the special license plate to the county clerk of the county of his or her residence, unless the person is merely changing his or her status with the group or organization to retired.

(8) A group wanting to create a special license plate that is not authorized under this chapter on June 27, 2019, shall comply with the following conditions before being eligible to apply for a special license plate:

(a) The group shall be nonprofit and based, headquartered, or have a chapter in Kentucky;

(b) The group may be organized for, but shall not be restricted to, social, civic, or entertainment purposes;

(c) The message to be placed on the license plate, if created, shall not discriminate against any race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and shall not be construed, as determined by the cabinet, as an attempt to victimize or intimidate any person due to the person's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin;

(d) The plate shall not represent a political party and shall not have been created primarily to promote a specific political belief;

(e) The plate shall not have as its primary purpose the promotion of any specific faith, religion, or antireligion;

(f) The plate shall not be the name of a special product or brand name, and shall not be construed, as determined by the cabinet, as promoting a product or brand name; and

(g) The plate's lettering, logo, image, or message to be placed on the license plate, if created, shall not be obscene, as determined by the cabinet.

(9) If the cabinet denies to issue a group a special license plate based upon the conditions specified in subsection (8) of this section, the cabinet shall, immediately upon denying to issue a group a special license plate, notify in writing the chairperson of both the House and Senate standing committees on transportation of the denial and the reasons upon which the cabinet based the denial.

(10) If the cabinet approves a request for a special license plate, the cabinet shall begin designing and printing the plate after:

(a) The group collects a minimum of nine hundred (900) applications with each application being accompanied by a fee as set forth in KRS 186.162. The applications and accompanying fee shall be submitted to the cabinet at one (1) time as a whole and shall not be submitted individually or intermittently; and

(b) The group submits to the cabinet the programming and production costs for the plate.

(11) A group that is approved for a special license plate shall maintain a minimum number of five hundred (500) registrations annually for the cabinet to continue production of the plate.

(12) An initial applicant for, or an applicant renewing, his or her registration for a special license plate shall, at the time of application, make a contribution that the county clerk shall forward to the cabinet as set forth in KRS 186.162. The cabinet shall, on an annual basis, remit the contributions to the appropriate group identified to be used for the declared purpose stated under subsection (13) of this section. The cabinet may retain any investment income earned from holding contributions designated to be remitted under this subsection to offset administrative costs incurred by the cabinet in the administration of the contributions. Any group or organization that receives a mandatory EF fee under KRS 186.162 shall maintain the information required under subsection (13)(a) and (c) of this section with the Transportation Cabinet.

(13) The group shall, at the time the nine hundred (900) applications are submitted to the Transportation Cabinet, also submit a notarized affidavit to the cabinet attesting to:

(a) The name, address, and telephone number for the group or organization. If the group or organization does not have its headquarters in the Commonwealth, then the name, address, and telephone number for the group or organization's Kentucky state chapter shall be required. The names of the officers of the group or organization shall also be required. If the entity receiving funds under subsection (12) of this section is not a state governmental agency, a program unit within a state governmental agency, or is a group or organization that does not have a statewide chapter, then a donation for use by the group or organization shall be prohibited;

(b) The amount of the monetary donation the group wants to receive when a person purchases the group or organization's special license plate; and

(c) The purpose for which the donated funds will be used by the group or organization. Donated funds shall not be limited for use by members of the group or organization, and shall not be used for administrative or personnel costs of the group or organization.

(14) (a) All funds received by a group or organization under subsection (12) of this section shall be deposited into an account separate from all other accounts the group or organization may have.

(b) If the amount of money received in any fiscal year by a group or organization under subsection (12) of this section is:

Equal to or greater than two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000), the account shall be audited yearly at the expense of the group or organization and the completed audit shall be forwarded to the Transportation Cabinet; or
Less than two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000), the group or organization shall submit a form to the cabinet attesting to its compliance with this section.

(c) One hundred percent (100%) of the funds received by a group or organization under subsection (12) of this section shall be used for the express purpose identified by the group in subsection (13) of this section.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this subsection, any agency, group, or organization that receives a mandatory EF fee under KRS 186.162 shall comply with this subsection.

(e) If a mandatory EF fee under KRS 186.162 is directed into a fund established in statute, the agency controlling the fund shall not be required to keep the EF fee proceeds in a separate account.

(15) (a) No later than October 1, 2026, and each October 1 thereafter, any group or organization that receives funds under this section or EF fees under KRS 186.162, or any agency that administers a fund established in statute that receives funds under this section or EF fees under KRS 186.162, shall submit a report on the use of these funds in the previous fiscal year to the:

Legislative Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue; and
Auditor of Public Accounts.

(b) The report required under paragraph (a) of this subsection shall include:

The total receipts of the fund;
The sources of those receipts;
An accounting of all expenditures from the fund;
A detailed summary of the activities supported by EF fee proceeds, including the amount of money spent on each activity;
The identification of any unexpended funds and the reason why the funds were not expended; and
An explanation of how all expenditures align with program objectives.

(16) The secretary of the Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to establish additional rules to implement the issuance of special license plates issued under this chapter, including but not limited to:

(a) Documentation that will be required to accompany an application for a special license plate to provide proof of:

Election to the United States Congress or the Kentucky General Assembly;
Election or appointment to the Kentucky Court of Justice;
Membership in a Masonic Order, Fraternal Order of Police, or emergency management organization;
Eligibility for membership in the Gold Star Mothers of America;
Eligibility as a father for associate membership in the Gold Star Mothers of America;
Eligibility for membership in the Gold Star Wives of America;
Ownership of an amateur radio operator license;
Receipt of the Silver Star Medal;
Receipt of the Bronze Star Medal;
Receipt of the Air Medal;
Receipt of the Distinguished Flying Cross;
Receipt of the Combat Action Badge;
Receipt of the Combat Infantry Badge;
Eligibility for a Gold Star Siblings license plate for a person whose sibling died while serving the country in the United States Armed Forces. As used in this subparagraph, "sibling" means a sibling by blood, a sibling by half-blood, a sibling by adoption, or a stepsibling; or
Eligibility for a Gold Star Sons or Gold Star Daughters license plate for a person whose parent or stepparent died while serving the country in the United States Armed Forces;

(b) The time schedule permissible for a group or organization to request a design change for the special license plate; and

(c) The procedures for review of proposed license plates and the standards by which proposed special license plates are approved or rejected in accordance with subsection (10) of this section.

(17) Any individual, group, or organization that fails to audit any funds as required under this section, or that intentionally uses any funds received in any way other than attested to under subsection (13) of this section or for administrative or personnel costs in violation of subsection (13) of this section, shall be guilty of a Class D felony and upon conviction shall, in addition to being subject to criminal penalties, be assessed a mandatory five thousand dollar ($5,000) fine.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 161, sec. 100, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 107, sec. 2, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 148, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2018. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2018. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 19, sec. 39, effective June 24, 2015; and ch. 32, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2016. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 33, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2010, ch. 40, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010; ch. 72, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2010; and ch. 113, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 30, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 1, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006; and ch. 200, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006. -- Created 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 2, effective June 20, 2005.

186.165 Exchange of one special license plate for another -- Transfer of special license plate to another vehicle.

(1) As used in this section, "owner" means a person who has purchased or leased a motor vehicle that is registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(1) or (3)(a).

(2) The provisions of this chapter relating to special license plates to the contrary notwithstanding, if a vehicle has been issued a special license plate and the owner of the vehicle wishes to surrender the plate and exchange it for a different special license plate, the owner may, at the time he or she renews the vehicle's annual registration, exchange the special plate without being required to obtain a regular registration plate.

(3) An owner requesting to exchange a special license plate shall be required to surrender the special license plate issued to the vehicle and the appropriate certificate of registration to the county clerk of the county where the person lives. Upon payment of the fee established in subsection (4) of this section, the county clerk shall immediately exchange the special license plate and issue a new special license plate and certificate of registration without placing further requirements upon the owner.

(4) The fee to exchange a special license plate under this section shall be the fee charged under this chapter for the particular special license plate which is being requested.

(5) If a motor vehicle that has been issued a special license plate is sold prior to the expiration of the registration, the owner may, pursuant to KRS 186.190, transfer the plate to another vehicle the owner has obtained.

Effective: January 1, 2014

History: Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 5, effective January 1, 2013. -- Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 106, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012).The amendment of this statute in 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5 was to be effective January 1, 2013, pursuant to Section 7 of that Act. However, in 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 1, 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 7, was repealed, and a new effective date of January 1, 2014, was established for the 2011 amendment of this statute, pursuant to 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 2.

186.166 Perpetual production of certain special license plates -- Design of Purple Heart license plates.

(1) The Transportation Cabinet shall, unless directed otherwise by the General Assembly, perpetually produce the following special license plates: military license plates, military unit license plates, U.S. Congressional license plates, firefighter license plates, emergency management license plates, Fraternal Order of Police license plates, Law Enforcement Memorial license plates, street rod license plates, nature license plates, amateur radio license plates, Kentucky General Assembly license plates, Kentucky Court of Justice license plates, Masonic Order license plates, collegiate license plates, independent college and university license plates, child victims' trust fund license plates, Kentucky Horse Council license plates, Ducks Unlimited license plates, Gold Star Mothers, Fathers, and Spouses license plates, Gold Star Siblings, Sons, and Daughters license plates, Silver Star Medal license plates, Legion of Merit Medal license plates, Bronze Star Medal license plates, Air Medal license plates, Distinguished Flying Cross license plates, Combat Action Badge license plates, Combat Infantry Badge license plates, POW/MIA Awareness license plates, spay neuter license plates, service academy license plates, Friends of Kentucky Agriculture license plates, and I Support Veterans license plates.

(2) The design of the plates identified for perpetual production under this section may be revised upon request of a group or organization requesting a design revision under the provisions of KRS 186.164(16).

(3) (a) The design of a Purple Heart license plate shall not include any representation of the word "Kentucky" that is a registered trademark or slogan which appears on a general issue license plate.

(b) The design of a Purple Heart license plate shall include a representation of the Purple Heart medal and the words "Combat Wounded."

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 161, sec. 102, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 31, sec. 2, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 8, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 105, sec. 3, effective July 14, 2022. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 3, effective January 1, 2018. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 91, sec. 3, effective January 1, 2015. -- Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 3, effective upon contingency. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 72, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 164, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 3, effective July 12, 2006; and ch. 190, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006. -- Created 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 3, effective June 20, 2005.

Legislative Research Commission Note (6/25/2013). 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 2, provides that the design specifications indicated in subsection (3)(b) of this statute "shall be included in the first regularly scheduled replating of the Purple Heart license plate after [June 25, 2013]."

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012). The amendment to this statute in 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 3, takes effect on July 12, 2012. The effective date of that amendment was subject to a contingency, but the contingency was removed in 2012. Section 5 of 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 139, which is effective July 12, 2012, repeals 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 4, which established the contingency.

186.167 Repealed, 2019.

[Repealed]

186.168 Voluntary contributions to veterans' program trust fund upon registering vehicle.

(1) Any person may, when initially registering or renewing any motor vehicle registration, make a voluntary contribution to the veterans' program trust fund established under KRS 40.460(2)(b). Any monetary contribution shall be accepted, and there shall not be a minimum amount that may be contributed. The county clerk shall forward contributions made under this section in the same manner as funds are forwarded under KRS 186.164.

(2) The cabinet shall provide each county clerk's office with a poster to promote voluntary contributions to the veterans' program trust fund that meets the following specifications:

(a) It shall be bright and colorful and at a minimum measure thirty-six (36) inches in width and thirty-six (36) inches in length;

(b) It shall state the purpose of the veterans' program trust fund and the agency where the contributions are sent; and

(c) It shall list the specific ways in which money from the trust fund is used to assist veterans across the Commonwealth.

(3) The design of the poster shall be developed collectively by the cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs. The poster may be redesigned periodically if the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs determines that a new design will increase contributions to the veterans' program trust fund under this section.

Effective: June 20, 2005

History: Created 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 4, effective June 20, 2005.

186.170 Retention of receipt -- Display of registration plates -- Registration years.

(1) (a) Except as provided in this subsection and KRS 186A.127 and 186.045, the owner shall have the receipt issued by the cabinet through the county clerk constantly in his possession, and shall display the registration plate conspicuously upon the rear of the motor vehicle, except that the registration plate upon a semitrailer-tractor shall be displayed upon the front of the tractor.

(b) The owner's copy, or a reproduced copy thereof, of the registration receipt of every motor vehicle, except motorcycles, licensed under KRS 186.050 shall be kept in the vehicle at all times and shall be available for inspection.

(c) Plates shall be kept legible at all times and the rear plate shall be illuminated when being operated during the hours designated in KRS 189.030. No rim, frame, or other covering around the plate shall in any way obscure or cover any lettering or decal on the plate.

(d) If the cabinet has prescribed that plates shall continue in use, it shall each year, in addition to the registration receipt, select and give to the owner as further evidence of registration some insignia which may conveniently be attached permanently and conspicuously to the motor vehicle during each registration year. It shall be the duty of the owner to attach the insignia in the prescribed manner and no person may operate a motor vehicle unless the insignia is affixed upon it. The cabinet shall have placed on the insignia either figures, letters, writing, marks, or a combination thereof, which indicate that the motor vehicle has been registered and which in conjunction with the records of the cabinet make identity of the registrant readily ascertainable.

(2) The registration year for commercial vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles shall be from April 1 to March 31.

(3) At the discretion of the vehicle owner, the title to a motor vehicle may be held in the system and subsequently printed and mailed to the owner at the owner's request.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 17, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 18, sec. 14, effective January 1, 2024. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 128, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 97, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 287, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 86, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 431, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 395, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 7, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 9, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 11, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 9, effective June 1, 1963. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 5, effective January 1, 1960. -- Amended 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 5. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 78, secs. 5 and 10. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-11.

186.1701 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.1702 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.171 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.172 Special license plates for firefighters.

(1) Upon application to the county clerk of the county of his residence, any current or retired member of a fire department, volunteer fire department, or fire protection district in the Commonwealth shall be issued a special firefighter license plate that shall bear the inscription "Firefighter," a registration number, and an appropriate standardized insignia.

(2) Each initial or renewal application shall be accompanied by proof of current service or retirement as a firefighter as furnished by the fire chief, the mayor or trustee of a city, or the county judge/executive in appropriate rural areas, and the payment of the fees set forth in KRS 186.162.

(3) The special firefighter license plate shall be administered in the same manner as other special license plates as prescribed in KRS 186.164.

Effective: June 27, 2019

History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 107, sec. 3, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 164, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 16, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 150, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1988. -- Created 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 303, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982.

186.1721 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1722 I Support Veterans special license plate.

(1) Upon application to the county clerk of the county of his or her residence, the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle registered under KRS 186.050(1) or (3)(a) may obtain an I Support Veterans special license plate.

(2) Each initial or renewal application for an I Support Veterans special license plate shall be subject to payment of the fees set forth in KRS 186.162 and the distribution and auditing requirements set forth in KRS 186.164.

(3) The EF portion of the fees collected under KRS 186.162 for an I Support Veterans special license plate shall be distributed to the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs and are hereby appropriated for purposes that support veterans. These funds shall be in addition to any other appropriations or resources available to the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs.

(4) The I Support Veterans special license plate shall be administered in the same manner as other special license plates as prescribed in KRS 186.162.

(5) The printing of the I Support Veterans special license plate shall not be contingent on any minimum number of applications.

Effective: July 12, 2012 (see note)

History: Created 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 1, effective upon contingency.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012). This statute takes effect on July 12, 2012. Its effective date was subject to a contingency, but the contingency has been removed. Section 5 of 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 139, which is effective July 12, 2012, repeals 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 4, which established the contingency. Section 6 of 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 139 states, "KRS 186.162 and 186.1722, as created or amended by 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 10, relating to an I Support Veterans special license plate, shall be effective on the normal effective date for the legislation enacted at the 2012 Regular Session of the General Assembly." The normal effective date for that 2012 legislation is July 12, 2012.

186.1723 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1724 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1725 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.1726 Repealed, 2003 .

[Repealed]

186.1727 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.173 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.1731 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.1732 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.1733 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.174 Personalized license plates.

(1) For purposes of this section, "personalized license plate" means a license plate manufactured by the cabinet upon an applicant's request with specific letters or numbers or combinations of letters and numbers significant to the applicant.

(2) Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle that is required to be registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(1), (3)(a), (4)(a), or (11), or any owner or lessee of a motorcycle required to be registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(2) may obtain a personalized license plate by submitting an application through a website designated by the cabinet. The cabinet shall produce the requested license plate upon approval and receipt of the fee required in subsection (4) of this section for a special license plate, or the fee required in KRS 186.162 for a standard issue license plate.

(3) Personalized license plates shall expire on the last day of the birth month of the person to whom the license plate is registered.

(4) (a) A personalized license plate shall be replaced on the same schedule as regular issue license plates unless it is damaged or unreadable.

(b) A standard issued license plate may be personalized:

For the fee established in KRS 186.162(2)(m) for a motor vehicle that is required to be registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(1), (3)(a), or (4)(a), or a motorcycle required to be registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(2); or
For the fee established in KRS 186.162(2)(ad) for a recreational vehicle that is required to be registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(11).

(c) Any special license plate may be combined with a personalized license plate for a twenty-five dollar ($25) state fee in addition to all other fees for the particular special license plate established in this section and in KRS 186.164. The twenty-five dollar ($25) fee required under this paragraph shall be divided between the cabinet and the county clerk of the county where the applicant resides with the cabinet receiving twenty dollars ($20) and the county clerk receiving five dollars ($5).

(5) (a) A personalized plate shall not be issued that would conflict with or duplicate any current issued license plate.

(b) A personalized plate shall not be issued if the cabinet determines:

The message to be placed on the license plate, if created, discriminates against a race, color, religion, sex, or national origin;
The plate message is the name of a trademarked or copyrighted product or brand name; or
The plate's lettering or message is obscene or profane, as determined by the cabinet.

(c) Once an applicant obtains a personalized plate, he or she will have first priority on that plate for each of the following years that he or she makes timely renewal payments.

Effective: January 1, 2025

History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2025. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 155, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2022. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 107, sec. 4, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 148, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2018. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 8, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 347, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 543, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 22, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 4, effective July 13, 1990; and ch. 498, sec. 4, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 143, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988; ch. 150, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1988; and ch. 241, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 203, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 335, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 9, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 3, effective January 1, 1977.

186.175 Repealed, 1966.

[Repealed]

186.1751 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.176 Repealed, 1972.

[Repealed]

186.1761 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1765 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.177 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1775 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.178 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.179 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.180 Duplicate receipts and plates -- Clerk's fees -- Cancellation of registration and issuance of new plates upon loss of plate -- Reporting of lost plates -- Issuance of plates upon removal from one county to another -- Reinstatement after revocation under KRS 186A.040 -- Proof of insurance. (Effective until January 1, 2027)

(1) (a) If an owner loses his or her copy of a registration or transfer receipt, the owner may obtain a duplicate from the county clerk who issued the present owner's copy of the receipt if:

Proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 is provided to the county clerk, except that proof of insurance shall not be required for duplicates applied for by motor vehicle dealers as defined in KRS 190.010;
The owner files an affidavit, upon a form furnished by the cabinet; and
The owner pays to the county clerk a fee of three dollars ($3).

(b) When an owner's copy of any registration or transfer receipt shows that the spaces provided thereon for noting and discharging security interests have been exhausted, the owner may obtain a duplicate from the county clerk who issued the receipt if:

The owner surrenders his or her copy of the current receipt to the county clerk;
Proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 is provided to the county clerk, except that proof of insurance shall not be required for duplicates applied for by motor vehicle dealers as defined in KRS 190.010; and
The owner pays to the county clerk a fee of three dollars ($3).

(c) Any security interest which has been discharged as shown by the records of the clerk or upon the owner's copy of the current receipt shall be omitted from the duplicate receipt to be issued by the county clerk.

(2) (a) If an owner loses a registration plate, the owner shall:

Surrender his or her registration receipt to the county clerk from whom it was obtained; and
File a written statement as to the loss of the plate.

(b) The owner shall be issued another registration receipt and a plate or plates, which shall bear a different number from that of the lost plate, if:

Proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 is provided to the county clerk; and
The owner pays to the county clerk the sum of:

a. Three dollars ($3) for each plate; and

b. Three dollars ($3) to the county clerk for his or her services.

Retain the owner's statement;
Retain a copy of the owner's proof of insurance;
Make a notation on the triplicate copy of the surrendered registration receipt stating the number of the registration receipt replacing it; and
Forward the original copy of the surrendered receipt to the cabinet.

(d) The cabinet shall:

Immediately cancel the registration corresponding to the number of the lost plate; and
Report the cancellation to the commissioner of the Department of Kentucky State Police.

(e) Any person finding a lost registration plate shall deliver it to the cabinet or to any county clerk for forwarding it to the cabinet.

(3) (a) If an owner moves from one (1) county into another county of the Commonwealth, the owner may obtain from the county clerk of his or her county of residence a new registration receipt and new registration plate bearing the name of the county of residence if:

The owner surrenders his or her current registration receipt and current registration plate to the county clerk;
Proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 is provided to the county clerk; and
The owner pays a fee of five dollars ($5) to the county clerk, of which the county clerk shall be entitled to retain three dollars ($3) and the cabinet shall be entitled to two dollars ($2).

(b) The surrendered receipt and plate shall be forwarded to the cabinet.

(4) If an owner's registration is revoked under KRS 186A.040(5)(b), the owner may have his or her registration reinstated by the county clerk who issued the present owner's copy of the receipt if:

(a) The owner pays to the county clerk the reinstatement fee required under KRS 186.040(8); and

(b) The owner provides proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 to the county clerk.

(5) The owner of a motor vehicle that has the vehicle's registration revoked under KRS 186.290 shall pay to the clerk a fee of twenty dollars ($20), which shall be equally divided between the county clerk and the cabinet.

(6) Proof of insurance for a personal motor vehicle shall be determined by the county clerk as provided in KRS 186A.042.

Effective: June 27, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 6, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 190, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 130, sec. 7, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 441, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 442, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 341, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 27, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 229, sec. 2. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 333, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 1. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(9). -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 4. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 208. sec. 2. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-12.

186.180 Duplicate receipts and plates -- Clerk's fees -- Cancellation of registration and issuance of new plates upon loss of plate -- Reporting of lost plates -- Issuance of plates upon removal from one county to another -- Reinstatement after revocation under KRS 186A.040 -- Proof of insurance. (Effective January 1, 2027)

(1) (a) If an owner loses his or her copy of a registration or transfer receipt, the owner may obtain a duplicate from the county clerk who issued the present owner's copy of the receipt if:

Proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 is provided to the county clerk, except that proof of insurance shall not be required for duplicates applied for by motor vehicle dealers as defined in KRS 190.010;
The owner files an affidavit, upon a form furnished by the cabinet; and
The owner pays to the county clerk a fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017.

The owner surrenders his or her copy of the current receipt to the county clerk;
Proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 is provided to the county clerk, except that proof of insurance shall not be required for duplicates applied for by motor vehicle dealers as defined in KRS 190.010; and
The owner pays to the county clerk a fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017.

(2) (a) If an owner loses a registration plate, the owner shall:

Surrender his or her registration receipt to the county clerk from whom it was obtained; and
File a written statement as to the loss of the plate.

(b) The owner shall be issued another registration receipt and a plate or plates, which shall bear a different number from that of the lost plate, if:

Proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 is provided to the county clerk; and
The owner pays to the county clerk:

a. Three dollars ($3) for each plate; and

b. A fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017 to the county clerk for his or her services.

Retain the owner's statement;
Retain a copy of the owner's proof of insurance;
Make a notation on the triplicate copy of the surrendered registration receipt stating the number of the registration receipt replacing it; and
Forward the original copy of the surrendered receipt to the cabinet.

(d) The cabinet shall:

Immediately cancel the registration corresponding to the number of the lost plate; and
Report the cancellation to the commissioner of the Department of Kentucky State Police.

(e) Any person finding a lost registration plate shall deliver it to the cabinet or to any county clerk for forwarding it to the cabinet.

The owner surrenders his or her current registration receipt and current registration plate to the county clerk;
Proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 is provided to the county clerk; and
The owner pays a fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017 to the county clerk, of which the county clerk shall be entitled to retain sixty percent (60%) and the cabinet shall be entitled to forty percent (40%).

(b) The surrendered receipt and plate shall be destroyed by the county clerk.

(4) If an owner's registration is revoked under KRS 186A.040(5)(b), the owner may have his or her registration reinstated by the county clerk who issued the present owner's copy of the receipt if:

(a) The owner pays to the county clerk the reinstatement fee required under KRS 186.040(8); and

(b) The owner provides proof of insurance on the motor vehicle in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 to the county clerk.

(6) Proof of insurance for a personal motor vehicle shall be determined by the county clerk as provided in KRS 186A.042.

Effective: January 1, 2027

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 31, effective January 1, 2027. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 6, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 190, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 130, sec. 7, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 441, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 442, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 341, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 27, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 229, sec. 2. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 333, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 1. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(9). -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 4. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 208. sec. 2. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-12.

186.181 Seizure of canceled plates by Department of Kentucky State Police.

The secretary of the Transportation Cabinet shall, upon receipt of a report from the Transportation Cabinet or the Department of Vehicle Regulation of a canceled motor vehicle registration plate, cause all members of the Department of Kentucky State Police and such peace officers as he or she may deem necessary, to be notified of the cancellation. It shall be the duty of all members of the Department of Kentucky State Police and of all peace officers to seize any registration plate bearing a canceled number and to report such seizure to the appropriate department.

Effective: June 26, 2007

History: Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 191, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 10, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 20. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 3.

186.182 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.1831 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1835 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.184 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.185 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.186 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1861 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.1862 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.1863 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.1864 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.1865 Repealed, 1997

[Repealed]

186.18651 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1866 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.1867 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1868 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.18685 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.1869 Repealed, 2003.

[Repealed]

186.187 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.188 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.189 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.190 Change of registration upon transfer of ownership -- Permitted registration plate transfers -- Clerk's fee. (Effective until January 1, 2027)

(1) (a) Except as provided for in paragraph (e) of this subsection, when a motor vehicle that has been previously registered changes ownership, the registration plate shall not remain upon the motor vehicle, but shall be retained by the seller and may be transferred to another vehicle owned or leased by the seller in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this subsection.

(b) An individual who sells a motor vehicle which has a valid registration plate may transfer that plate to another vehicle of the same classification at the time the individual transfers the vehicle. If the individual does not have a vehicle to transfer the plate to at the time the individual sells a vehicle, the individual may hold the registration plate for the period of registration. At any time during the period of registration, the individual shall notify the county clerk and transfer the plate to a vehicle of the same classification that he or she has obtained prior to operating that vehicle on a public highway. If the plate transfer occurs in the final month in which the existing registration is still valid, the individual shall be required to renew the registration on the newly acquired vehicle.

(c) An individual who trades in a motor vehicle with a valid registration plate during the purchase of a motor vehicle from a licensed motor vehicle dealer shall remove the plate from the vehicle offered in trade. A photocopy of the valid certificate of registration shall be included with the application for title and registration for the purchased vehicle, and the plate shall be retained by the purchaser. The dealer shall equip the purchased vehicle with a temporary tag in accordance with KRS 186A.100 before the buyer may operate it on the highway. When the buyer receives a valid certificate of registration from the county clerk, the buyer shall remove the temporary tag and affix the registration plate to the vehicle.

(d) All vehicle transfers and registration plate transfers shall be initiated within the fifteen (15) day period established under KRS 186.020 and 186A.070.

(e) This subsection shall not apply to transfers between motor vehicle dealers licensed under KRS Chapter 190. A secured party who repossesses a vehicle shall comply with KRS 186.045(6).

(2) (a) A person shall not purchase, sell, or trade any motor vehicle without delivering to the county clerk of the county in which the sale or trade is made the title, and a notarized affidavit if required and available under KRS 138.450 attesting to the total and actual consideration paid or to be paid for the motor vehicle.

(b) Except for transactions handled by a motor vehicle dealer licensed pursuant to KRS Chapter 190, the person who is purchasing the vehicle shall present proof of insurance in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 to the county clerk before the clerk transfers the registration on the vehicle.

(c) Proof of insurance shall be in the manner prescribed in administrative regulations promulgated by the Department of Insurance pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A.

(d) Proof of insurance for a personal motor vehicle shall be determined by the county clerk as provided in KRS 186A.042.

(3) (a) Upon delivery of the title, and a notarized affidavit if required and available under KRS 138.450 attesting to the total and actual consideration paid or to be paid for the motor vehicle to the county clerk of the county in which the sale or trade was made, the seller shall pay to the county clerk a transfer fee of two dollars ($2), which shall be remitted to the Transportation Cabinet.

(b) If an affidavit is required, and available, the signatures on the affidavit shall be individually notarized before the county clerk shall issue to the purchaser a transfer of registration bearing the same data and information as contained on the original registration receipt, except the change in name and address.

(4) (a) If the owner junks or otherwise renders a motor vehicle unfit for future use, the owner shall deliver the registration plate and registration receipt to the county clerk of the county in which the motor vehicle is junked.

(b) The county clerk shall return the plate and motor vehicle registration receipt to the Transportation Cabinet.

(5) A licensed motor vehicle dealer shall not be required to pay the transfer fee provided by this section, but shall be required to pay the county clerk's fee provided by this section.

(6) The motor vehicle registration receipt issued by the clerk under this section shall contain information required by the Department of Vehicle Regulation.

Effective: June 27, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 7, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2013. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 235, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 9, effective January 1, 2007. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 130, sec. 8, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 128, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1998; and ch. 600, sec. 6, effective April 14, 1998. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 31, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 504, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 13, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 10, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2), (9); and ch. 222, sec. 3. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 11, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 37, sec. 1. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 6, effective January 1, 1960; and ch. 95, sec. 1. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 202, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-13.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012).The amendment of this statute in 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5 was to be effective January 1, 2013, pursuant to Section 7 of that Act. However, in 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 1, 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 7, was repealed, and a new effective date of January 1, 2014, was established for the 2011 amendment of this statute, pursuant to 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 2.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/98). This section was amended by 1998 Ky. Acts chs. 128 and 600. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists, Acts ch. 600, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250.

186.190 Change of registration upon transfer of ownership -- Permitted registration plate transfers -- Clerk's fee. (Effective January 1, 2027)

(d) All vehicle transfers and registration plate transfers shall be initiated within the fifteen (15) day period established under KRS 186.020 and 186A.070.

(e) This subsection shall not apply to transfers between motor vehicle dealers licensed under KRS Chapter 190. A secured party who repossesses a vehicle shall comply with KRS 186.045(6).

(c) Proof of insurance shall be in the manner prescribed in administrative regulations promulgated by the Department of Insurance pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A.

(d) Proof of insurance for a personal motor vehicle shall be determined by the county clerk as provided in KRS 186A.042.

(c) The seller shall pay to the county clerk a fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017 for the clerk's services.

(d) The fees in this subsection shall apply to all vehicle transfers, including dealer assignments, individual-to-dealer transfers and reassignments, and dealer-to- dealer transfers.

(b) The county clerk shall return the plate and motor vehicle registration receipt to the Transportation Cabinet.

(c) The owner shall pay to the county clerk a fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017 for the clerk's services.

(5) A licensed motor vehicle dealer shall be required to pay both the transfer fee provided by subsection (3)(a) of this section and the county clerk's fee provided by subsection (3)(c) of this section.

(6) The motor vehicle registration receipt issued by the clerk under this section shall contain information required by the Department of Vehicle Regulation.

Effective: January 1, 2027

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 32, effective January 1, 2027. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 7, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2013. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 235, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 9, effective January 1, 2007. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 130, sec. 8, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 128, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1998; and ch. 600, sec. 6, effective April 14, 1998. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 31, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 504, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 13, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 10, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2), (9); and ch. 222, sec. 3. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 11, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 37, sec. 1. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 6, effective January 1, 1960; and ch. 95, sec. 1. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 202, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-13.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012).The amendment of this statute in 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5 was to be effective January 1, 2013, pursuant to Section 7 of that Act. However, in 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 1, 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 7, was repealed, and a new effective date of January 1, 2014, was established for the 2011 amendment of this statute, pursuant to 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 2.

186.191 Repealed, 1982.

[Repealed]

186.1911 Replacement of vehicle identification number -- Fee.

(1) In any instance where a transfer of a motor vehicle is accompanied by a certificate of title or registration and the vehicle has had the vehicle identification number removed, altered, defaced, or covered, the owner shall, before delivery of the vehicle to any other person, obtain a replacement vehicle identification number from the manufacturer and affix it to the vehicle at the places specified by the Department of Vehicle Regulation or obtain a Kentucky identification number from the department and affix it to the vehicle at the places specified by the Department of Vehicle Regulation.

(2) Each application for a Kentucky identification number from the department shall be assessed a five dollar ($5) fee, which shall be retained by the department to defray the costs of processing, producing, and transmitting the plates to the applicant.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 22, effective July 15, 2024. -- Created 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1980.

186.192 Evidence required of excise tax payment.

(1) The county clerk shall not transfer the registration of any motor vehicle or vehicle as defined in KRS 186.650 unless evidence is presented in such form as the Transportation Cabinet may prescribe that all excise taxes imposed on the sale, transfer or use of the motor vehicle or vehicles have been paid. In any case where the transferor or transferee is a dealer as defined in KRS 190.010, no proof of payment of such taxes is required.

(2) Any clerk who violates this section shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in KRS 186.990(1).

Effective: January 1, 1963

History: Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 12, effective January 1, 1963. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 186, Art. IV, sec. 11.

186.193 Evidence required of ad valorem tax payment.

The county clerk shall not transfer the registration on any motor vehicle or trailer against which a tax lien has been filed until the taxes have been paid and the lien has been released.

Effective: January 1, 1981

History: Created 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 371, sec. 4, effective January 1, 1981.

186.195 Repealed, 1964.

[Repealed]

186.200 Contents of bill of sale.

(1) The bill of sale provided for by KRS 186.190 shall contain the date, the purchaser's name and post office address, seller's name and post office address, and the information provided for in KRS 186.030 and shall be subscribed and sworn to before any officer authorized to administer an oath.

(2) No person for himself or his employee or agent or as an officer of any court, shall sell, trade, transfer or deliver any motor vehicle without at the same time making a bill of sale in quadruplicate and delivering the original and two (2) copies thereof to the county clerk. The county clerk shall retain one (1) copy of the bill of sale and shall deliver the original copy to the purchaser together with the registration receipt or transfer of registration, and attach the other copy to the Revenue Cabinet's copy of the registration receipt of transfer of registration. No person shall sign a bill of sale until the purchaser's name is shown thereon.

Effective: June 17, 1978

History: Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 14, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 11, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 13, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 7, effective January 1, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-14.

186.210 False statements in applications prohibited -- Possession of plates and receipts.

(1) No person shall make any false statement in an application for registration, application for duplicate receipt or plate, bill of sale, registration receipt, motor number or vehicle identification number. No person shall use, display or keep registration plates or registration receipts that do not belong or have not been issued to him. This subsection shall not apply to a false statement in an initial or renewal application for a military license plate issued under KRS 186.041.

(2) No person shall make any false statement in an initial or renewal application for a military license plate issued under KRS 186.041 or use, display, or keep military license plates that do not belong or have not been issued to him.

(3) The penalties established in KRS 186.990 for violations of this section shall be printed prominently on every form or blank used for these purposes and furnished by the cabinet.

Effective: July 15, 2008

History: Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 15, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 15, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 12, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 8, effective January 1, 1960. -- Amended 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 6. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g- 22.

186.220 Repealed, 1950.

[Repealed]

186.230 County clerk's duties -- Lien on vehicle, effect -- Issuance of plate without collecting taxes and fees prohibited.

The county clerk shall see that KRS 186.005 to 186.260 are enforced. In so doing, the clerk shall:

(1) Take all applications as provided in KRS 186.005 to 186.260;

(2) Issue the receipts on blanks furnished by the cabinet;

(3) Collect the fees due the state;

(4) Distribute the registration plates furnished by the Transportation Cabinet and Department of Vehicle Regulation and keep a complete public record of all registrations for the county in the clerk's office;

(5) (a) Report and remit each Monday to the Transportation Cabinet all moneys collected during the previous week, together with an electronic copy of all receipts issued by the clerk during the same period. The clerk shall make all forms of payment payable to the State Treasurer.

(b) If the clerk fails to file the report and remit the moneys required under this subsection within seven (7) days after the report and remittance are due, the clerk shall pay a penalty of one percent (1%) per month or fraction thereof on the amount of money shown to be due on the report.

(c) The cabinet may grant a county clerk an extension of up to ten (10) days to file the report and remit all moneys. The extension must be requested prior to the end of the seven (7) day period and shall begin to run at the end of that period.

(d) All penalties collected under this subsection shall be paid into the State Treasury as a part of the revenue collected under KRS 186.005 to 186.260;

(6) Account to the Transportation Cabinet for all registration plates and receipt forms consigned to the clerk, at such time or times as the Transportation Cabinet may direct, and give the appropriate cabinet timely notice of a probable deficiency of plates or other supplies;

(7) Place a lien on any vehicle or manufactured home for which the county clerk, in collecting the taxes and fees due the state or county clerk, accepts in payment a check which is not honored upon presentment. The lien on the vehicle or manufactured home under this subsection shall be for the amount of the check. A lien under this subsection shall be subordinate to any prior perfected lien, either contractual or statutory;

(8) Not permit a person to sell, trade, or transfer ownership of a motor vehicle or manufactured home if evidence is presented to the county clerk that any lien exists on the motor vehicle or manufactured home; and

(9) Not issue to any manufacturer or dealer any registration plate other than a manufacturer's or dealer's plate, or registration plate which is under a dealer assignment pursuant to KRS 186A.230, except when the dealer registers a motor vehicle under a U-Drive-It permit, without collecting designated registration fees and applicable taxes.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 12, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 431, sec. 13, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 16, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 13, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2), (7), (9). -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 3. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 14, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 37, sec. 3. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 11. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739g-62, 2739g-63.

186.232 Registration not transferable until taxes paid, lien released, and proof of insurance and notarized affidavit presented.

(1) The county clerk shall not transfer the registration on any motor vehicle or trailer against which a tax lien has been filed until the taxes have been paid and the lien has been released.

(2) The county clerk shall not transfer the registration of any motor vehicle unless the transferee presents proof of insurance in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 and KRS 186.190.

(3) If a notarized affidavit is required and available under KRS 138.450, the county clerk shall not transfer the registration of a motor vehicle unless the notarized affidavit attesting to the total and actual consideration paid or to be paid for the motor vehicle is presented to the clerk at the time of the transfer. If a notarized affidavit is required but is not available, the county clerk shall contact the Department of Revenue to determine the "retail price" of the vehicle and any taxes due prior to transferring the vehicle.

(4) The county clerk shall not transfer title on a motor vehicle if there are delinquent ad valorem taxes on the motor vehicle.

Effective: January 1, 2014

History: Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 4, effective January 1, 2013. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 606, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 600, sec. 7, effective April 14, 1998. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 504, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Created 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 240, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1980.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012).The amendment of this statute in 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5 was to be effective January 1, 2013, pursuant to Section 7 of that Act. However, in 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 1, 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 7, was repealed, and a new effective date of January 1, 2014, was established for the 2011 amendment of this statute, pursuant to 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 2.

186.235 Repealed, 1982.

[Repealed]

186.240 Cabinet to furnish forms and plates -- Records -- Receipts -- Reflectorized license plate program fund -- Use of receipts -- Accounting by clerk -- Audit.

(1) It shall be the duty of the cabinet to carry out the provisions of KRS 186.005 to 186.260, and:

(a) Provide to the clerk in each county access to all forms provided for in KRS 186.005 to 186.260;

(b) Keep a numerical record of all registration numbers issued in the state and also keep a record of motor or vehicle identification numbers required by KRS 186.160;

(c) Furnish to each clerk, originally each year upon estimate, and thereafter upon requisition at all times, a sufficient supply of standard, noncommercial plates and the supplies necessary to provide evidence of registration for all classes of vehicles required to be registered; and

(d) Prescribe a standard plate of practical form and size for police identification purposes that shall contain:

The registration identifier;
An indication that Kentucky is the issuing jurisdiction;
At the discretion of the cabinet, any combination of the following phrases:

a. "Bluegrass State"; or

b. "United We Stand, Divided We Fall";

For standard plates for noncommercial vehicles:

a. The county in which the plate is issued; and

b. At the discretion of the person to whom the vehicle is registered, the phrase "In God We Trust"; and

For plates for commercial vehicles, the year the license expires and words or information the Department of Vehicle Regulation may prescribe by administrative regulation in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A.

(2) Except as provided in KRS 186A.127, license plates issued pursuant to this chapter shall conform to the provisions of subsection (1)(c) and (d) of this section. The Transportation Cabinet shall provide for the issuance of reflectorized plates for all motor vehicles, and shall collect a fee, in addition to the fee set out in KRS Chapter 186 and KRS 281.631, of fifty cents ($0.50). The fifty cents ($0.50) fee to reflectorize license plates shall be used by the cabinet as provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) The reflectorized license plate program fund is established in the state road fund and appropriated on a continual basis to the cabinet to administer the moneys as provided in this subsection. The fifty cents ($0.50) fee collected by the cabinet to reflectorize license plates shall be deposited into the program fund and used to issue reflectorized license plates. If at the end of a fiscal year, money remains in the program fund, it shall be retained in the fund and shall not revert to the state road

fund. The interest and income earned on money in the program fund shall also be retained in the program fund to carry out the provisions of this subsection. The Transportation Cabinet shall issue reflectorized license plates under the provisions of this subsection on a schedule to be determined at the discretion of the cabinet.

(4) Except as directed under subsection (3) of this section, the Transportation Cabinet shall receive all moneys forwarded by the clerk in each county and turn it over to the State Treasurer for the benefit of the state road fund.

(5) The Transportation Cabinet shall require an accounting by the clerk in each county for any moneys received by him or her under the provisions of this chapter, after the deduction of his or her fees under this chapter, and for all receipts, forms, plates, and insignia consigned to him or her. The Auditor of Public Accounts, pursuant to KRS 43.070, or a certified public accountant acting on behalf of the county pursuant to KRS 43.070(1)(b), shall annually audit each county clerk concerning his or her responsibilities for the collection of various fees and taxes associated with motor vehicles. The secretary of the Transportation Cabinet, with the advice, consultation, and approval of the Auditor, shall develop and implement an inventory and accounting system which shall ensure that the audits mandated in KRS 43.070 are performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The Transportation Cabinet shall pay for the portion of the audit mandated by KRS 43.070(1)(a)2.

(6) When applied for under KRS 186.060 or 186.061, motor or vehicle numbers assigned shall be distinctive to show that they were designated by the cabinet.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 199, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 3, effective January 1, 2024. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 18, sec. 15, effective January 1, 2024. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 53, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 19, sec. 40, effective June 24, 2015. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 1, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 180, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 221, sec. 1, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990; and ch. 498, sec. 5, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 86, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 429, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 229, sec. 1, effective January 1, 1983. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 14; and ch. 366, sec. 2, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2), (9). -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 13, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 16, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 7. -- Amended 1950 Ky. Acts ch. 190, sec. 6, effective June 15, 1950. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 4. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 5. - - Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 78, secs. 6 and 11. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-63.

186.245 Posting of notice about 2006 increases in fees of county clerks.

Beginning January 1, 2007, every county clerk shall post a permanent notice that the fee increases contained in 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 255 were requested by the Kentucky County Clerks Association. The notice shall be printed in bold face type of sufficient point size to be read from a distance of at least three (3) feet. The notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place to ensure that every person who enters the county clerk's office will readily see the notice.

Effective: January 1, 2007

History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2007. -- Created 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 36, effective July 15, 1994.

186.250 Repealed, 1962.

[Repealed]

186.260 Arrests and bail for violations.

KRS 281.765 shall apply in the case of arrests and bail for a violation of any of the provisions of KRS 186.020 to 186.260.

Effective: October 1, 1942

History: Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-64.

186.270 City license taxes on trucks, tractors and trailers -- Notice of new or increased tax.

Cities may, by ordinance, impose license taxes on motor trucks, truck-tractors, semitrailers and trailers and require that registration plates issued as evidence of the licenses be affixed to the vehicle in some conspicuous place as prescribed by ordinance. No new or increased license tax on motor trucks, truck-tractors, semitrailers and trailers shall be effective unless the owners thereof or licensees are mailed notice of the new tax at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date of the tax.

History: Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 119, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-92.

186.275 Repealed, 1966.

[Repealed]

186.276 Repealed, 1998.

[Repealed]

186.280 Repealed, 1966.

[Repealed]

186.281 Repealed, 2015.

[Repealed]

186.285 Repealed, 1966.

[Repealed]

186.286 Repealed, 2015.

[Repealed]

186.290 Information on motor vehicle emissions test status and compliance.

(1) The Department of Vehicle Regulation shall provide and receive information on the emissions test status of vehicles registered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Department of Vehicle Regulation shall provide appropriate emissions test and compliance status to the Department of Information Systems for inclusion in the AVIS database.

(2) Upon notification to the Department of Vehicle Regulation from a county air pollution control district or the Energy and Environment Cabinet of expiration of a vehicle emissions compliance certificate, the Department of Vehicle Regulation shall immediately notify the person who owns the vehicle that unless evidence of compliance is received within thirty (30) days, the department shall revoke the registration of the motor vehicle until:

(a) The person presents an emissions certificate to the county clerk and pays the reinstatement fee required under KRS 186.180; or

(b) The person presents proof in the form of an affidavit stating, under penalty of perjury as set forth in KRS 523.030, that failure to obtain a current emissions certificate is the result of the inoperable condition of the motor vehicle.

(3) The provisions of this section and KRS 186.180, 186.990, 224.20-760, and 224.20- 765 shall not prevent the Transportation Cabinet, a county air pollution district, or the Energy and Environment Cabinet from seeking the enforcement or operation of any other statute or ordinance that ensures the compliance of motor vehicles in the Commonwealth under KRS Chapter 186, KRS 224.20-710 to 224.20-765, or KRS Chapter 77.

(4) The provisions of this section and KRS 186.180, 186.990, 224.20-760, and 224.20- 765 shall apply to vehicles that are registered in a county authorized under KRS 224.20-710 to 224.20-765 or KRS Chapter 77 to conduct vehicle emissions tests.

Effective: July 15, 2010

History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 236, effective July 15, 2010. -- Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 441, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000.

Operator's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards Operator's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards

186.400 Duties of Transportation Cabinet -- Administration of laws.

(1) The administration of the provisions of KRS 186.400 to 186.640 shall be vested in the Transportation Cabinet. The Transportation Cabinet may prescribe regulations for the enforcement of KRS 186.400 to 186.640. The Transportation Cabinet also shall enforce regulations governing the acts of motor vehicle operators under KRS 186.400 to 186.640 and require reports which it deems necessary.

(2) The cabinet shall provide or cause to be provided to appropriate persons or officials an adequate supply of forms for the administration of KRS 186.400 to 186.640. The style of those forms and the method of their use shall be prescribed by the cabinet and shall be adequate to protect the safety interests of the state. The Transportation Cabinet shall prescribe the method of financial control.

(3) (a) The Transportation Cabinet shall collect all moneys due the state under KRS 186.531 for operators' licenses and personal identification cards issued, and shall deposit those moneys with the state treasurer.

(b) At least once each year the secretary of the Transportation Cabinet shall cause a reconciliation to be made between the record of receipts by the Transportation Cabinet and the receipt of applications by the Transportation Cabinet.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 1, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 1956 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 7, Art. X, sec. 11, effective September 1, 1956. - - Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739m-55, 2739m-70.

186.401 Definitions for KRS 186.400 to 186.640.

As used in KRS 186.400 to 186.640:

(1) "Driver's license" means an operator's license issued pursuant to KRS 186.4102, 186.412, and 186.4121;

(2) "Operator's license," unless otherwise indicated, includes a motor vehicle operator's license, a motorcycle operator's license, and a combination motor vehicle- motorcycle license; and

(3) "Commercial driver's license" means a license issued pursuant to KRS Chapter 281A.

Effective: January 1, 2019

History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 12, effective January 1, 2019. -- Created 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 455, sec. 27, effective January 13, 1990.

186.402 Statement of legislative intent relating to young drivers.

It is the goal of the General Assembly to improve traffic safety and reduce traffic accident injuries and fatalities by controlling a young driver's exposure and progressively moving the driver into more difficult driving experiences prior to full licensure.

Effective: October 1, 1996

History: Created 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1996.

186.403 Voluntary travel ID instruction permits, operator's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification cards -- Application -- Fees -- Issuance -- Administrative regulations.

(1) The Transportation Cabinet shall develop a system of issuing voluntary travel ID instruction permits, operator's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification cards.

(2) The development of the system identified in subsection (1) of this section shall include but not be limited to the:

(a) Acquisition of equipment and information technology systems and services;

(b) Modification, conversion, or upgrade of the cabinet's existing databases, equipment, and information technology systems;

(c) Establishment of electronic connectivity with any other state's driver licensing department, federal agency, national or regional association, or business. Electronic connectivity under this paragraph shall be limited to the sharing of the minimum amount of information necessary to validate information supplied by an applicant, process the application, and produce and distribute the identity document. The Transportation Cabinet shall limit any access to the databases developed under this chapter in accordance with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. sec. 2721;

(d) Creation of a new design for operator's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, instruction permits, and personal identification cards that will meet the minimum content, design, and security standards required under this section;

(e) Collection, management, and retention of personal information and identity documents; and

(f) Development and implementation of a comprehensive security plan to ensure the security and integrity of the department's:

Employees;
Facilities;
Storage systems;
Production of operator's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, instruction permits, and personal identification cards; and
Collection and retention of personal information and identity documents.

(3) A person who:

(a) Applies for an initial Kentucky instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card under KRS 186.412 or 186.4122, including any person who establishes residency in the state, may apply for either a voluntary travel ID or a standard instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card;

(b) Applies for the renewal of an instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card under KRS 186.412, 186.4121, 186.4122, or 186.4123 may apply for either a voluntary travel ID or a standard instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card;

(c) 1. Meets the minimum requirements for federal recognition in Section 202 of the REAL ID ACT of 2005, as amended, in 49 U.S.C. sec. 30301 note;

Has been admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant pursuant to a compact of free association between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia; and
Applies for an initial or renewal operator's license or personal identification card under KRS 186.412 or 186.4122; may apply for either a voluntary travel ID or a standard instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card; and

(d) Holds a voluntary travel ID operator's license, and applies for and passes all necessary examinations for a commercial driver's license under KRS Chapter 281A, shall receive a voluntary travel ID commercial driver's license. This paragraph shall not apply to a person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

(4) The fees for initial, renewal, duplicate, or corrected voluntary travel ID or standard operator's licenses, instruction permits, or personal identification cards shall be as set forth under KRS 186.531.

(5) A voluntary travel ID identity document issued by the cabinet may be used for all state purposes authorized for identity documents otherwise issued under KRS 186.400 to 186.640 and Chapter 281A.

(6) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A that set standards for the establishment of a voluntary travel ID identity document system, including but not limited to the components of the system identified in subsection (2) of this section.

Effective: July 1, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 17, effective July 1, 2025. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 10, effective June 29, 2017.

186.405 Registration with United States Selective Service System -- Duties of cabinet.

(1) Any United States male citizen or immigrant who is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-six (26) years of age shall be registered for the United States Selective Service System when applying to the Transportation Cabinet for the issuance, renewal, or duplicate copy of:

(a) An operator's license;

(b) A commercial driver's license; or

(2) This registration is in compliance with federal Selective Service System requirements.

(3) The Transportation Cabinet shall forward, in an electronic format, the necessary personal information required for registration of the applicants identified in this section to the Selective Service System via the American Association of Motor Vehicles Administrators Network. If an applicant declines registration, the Transportation Cabinet shall forward the necessary personal information to the Selective Service System with the notation that automatic registration was declined.

(4) The applicant's submission of the application shall serve as an indication that the applicant has already registered with the Selective Service System, or that he is authorizing the Transportation Cabinet to forward the necessary information for registration to the Selective Service System.

(5) The Transportation Cabinet shall include the following statement on applications for licenses or identification cards described in this section: "By submitting this application, I am consenting to registration with the federal Selective Service System, if so required. If under eighteen (18) years of age, I understand that I will be registered as required by federal law when I attain eighteen (18) years of age." In the event the applicant declines Selective Service registration, the cabinet may issue an operator's license or personal identification card, but shall forward the necessary personal information to the Selective Service System.

Effective: July 12, 2006

History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 173, sec. 28, effective July 12, 2006. -- Created 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2003.

186.407 Annual report on identity document issuance.

(1) Beginning no later than October 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, the cabinet shall report to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation on identity document issuance at each regional licensing office.

(2) The report required under subsection (1) of this section shall include the:

(a) Number of identity documents, by type, issued at each location;

(b) Total cost to operate the office; and

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 41, effective July 15, 2024.

186.410 Operators' license -- Requirements and issuance -- Personal identification cards -- Driver training programs -- Application for travel ID or standard document -- Owner of motor vehicle considered operator when fully autonomous vehicle system engaged.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, every person not exempted by KRS 186.420 and 186.430 shall, before operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped upon a highway, secure an operator's license as provided in this chapter.

(2) Except as provided in KRS 186.4121, all original, renewal, and duplicate personal identification cards and licenses for the operation of motor vehicles or motorcycles shall be applied for with the Transportation Cabinet, or through alternative technology, and issued by the Transportation Cabinet. Subject to the provisions of KRS 186.4101, applications for renewal licenses and personal identification cards shall be made every eight (8) years within the birth month of the applicant. A license shall not be issued until the application has been certified by the cabinet and the applicant has, if required under KRS 186.635, successfully completed the examinations required under KRS 186.480.

(3) All personal identification cards shall be issued under the provisions of KRS 186.4102, 186.4122, and 186.4123.

(4) A person under the age of eighteen (18) years who applies for an instruction permit shall, at any time between the age of fifteen (15) years and before the person's eighteenth birthday, enroll in one (1) of the following driver training programs:

(a) A driver's education course administered by a school district;

(b) A driver training school licensed pursuant to KRS Chapter 332 which offers a course meeting or exceeding the minimum standards established by the Transportation Cabinet; or

(c) State traffic school. The person may seek to enroll in state traffic school before the person's eighteenth birthday. Persons enrolling in state traffic school pursuant to this paragraph shall not be required to pay a fee.

(5) Any applicant for any initial or renewal instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card under KRS 186.400 to 186.640 may apply for either:

(a) A voluntary travel ID document; or

(b) A standard document that does not meet standards for federal identification purposes.

(6) When an automated driving system as defined in KRS 186.760 is installed on a motor vehicle and is engaged, and the motor vehicle is operating as a fully autonomous vehicle as defined in KRS 186.760, the:

(a) Owner of the motor vehicle is considered the operator of the fully autonomous vehicle and shall comply with applicable traffic or motor vehicle laws, regardless of whether the owner is physically present in the vehicle while the vehicle is operating; and

(b) Automated driving system is considered to be licensed to operate the vehicle and a licensed human operator is not required to operate the motor vehicle.

Effective: March 25, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 81, sec. 2, effective March 25, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 16, effective July 15, 2024; and ch. 176, sec. 9, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 2, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 173, sec. 29, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 535, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 3, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 267, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 389, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 349, sec. 3, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 434, sec. 1, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(7). -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 1. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 208, secs. 1, 2, and 3. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 1. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 79, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-34.

186.4101 Renewal of license -- Reconciliation of four-year and eight-year renewal periods.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a license to operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped, or a personal identification card shall be renewed every eight (8) years prior to its expiration. Except as provided in KRS 186.410, a person seeking to renew an operator's license shall apply to the cabinet in accordance with KRS 186.412 and 186.4121.

(2) An applicant for a renewal license, instruction permit, or identification card may choose to be issued a document that is valid for four (4) years. Fees for documents issued for a four (4) year period shall be adjusted in accordance with KRS 186.531.

(3) The fee to renew an operator's license or personal identification card shall be according to the schedule set forth in KRS 186.531.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 3, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 13, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 267, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1994. -- Created 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1980.

186.4102 Photograph required for operator's license, instructional permit, or personal identification card -- Identification number -- Age and organ donor designations -- Voluntary travel ID identity document -- When photograph not required.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (9) of this section, the Transportation Cabinet shall issue operator's licenses and personal identification cards bearing a photograph of the applicant and other information the cabinet may deem appropriate to qualified applicants under this chapter. When taking the photograph, the applicant shall be prohibited from wearing sunglasses, veils, scarves, or any other attire that obscures or creates shadows upon any features of the applicant's face as determined by the cabinet. An applicant shall be required to remove eyewear that obstructs the iris or the pupil of the eyes and shall not take any action to obstruct a photograph of his or her facial features. The face shall be visible from the crown to the base of the chin and from ear to ear. Any person who refuses to remove attire prohibited by this subsection as directed by the person taking the application shall be prohibited from receiving an operator's license or personal identification card.

(2) An operator's license or personal identification card issued by the cabinet shall not contain the applicant's Social Security number. The cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A that develop a numbering system that uses an identification system other than Social Security numbers. If an applicant submits adequate proof that he or she does not have a Social Security number, the Transportation Cabinet shall assign the applicant a unique identifying number.

(3) The license or personal identification card shall also designate by color coding and using the phrase "under 21" if the licensee or card holder is under the age of twenty- one (21); "CDL" if the license is issued pursuant to KRS Chapter 281A; or "under 21 CDL" if the licensee holds a commercial driver's license issued pursuant to KRS Chapter 281A and is under the age of twenty-one (21).

(4) The cabinet shall provide on each operator's license and personal identification card space for a notation that the holder of the license or personal identification card has expressed to the cabinet the person's willingness to make an anatomical gift under KRS 311.1917. If a person who has made a declaration under this subsection wishes to rescind that declaration, the person shall notify the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust for Life, which shall remove the notation from his or her records.

(5) An operator's license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be designated a Class D license.

(6) A person shall not have more than one (1) operator's license.

(7) Upon marriage, dissolution of marriage, or any other qualifying event, if a person seeks to change his or her name, the person shall make a name change with the Social Security Administration prior to applying for an operator's license or a personal identification card and shall provide the cabinet with the person's marriage license, divorce decree, or other documentation. The name issued on the identity document shall match the person's first and last name as recorded with the Social Security Administration. Unless a person is eligible to renew his or her identity document at the time of the name change, the fee charged under this section shall be for a corrected identity document as set forth in KRS 186.531.

(8) An identity document issued under this chapter shall contain a denotation that either:

(a) The identity document is a voluntary travel ID identity document that complies with the security standards set forth by Pub. L. No. 109-13, Title II, and may be used for identification for federal purposes; or

(b) The identity document shall not be used for federal identification purposes.

(9) (a) The Transportation Cabinet may provide for the issuance of an instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card without a photograph if there is good cause for the omission based in documented religious objections. The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to establish the criteria and requirements for obtaining an operator's license, instruction permit, or personal identification card without a photograph.

(b) An applicant for an initial instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card without a photograph shall apply to the Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort or a Transportation Cabinet field office. The application shall be processed solely by the Transportation Cabinet in the same manner as in KRS 186.4121(5) and 186.4123(8).

(c) An operator's license, instruction permit, or personal identification card issued without a photograph shall denote on its face that it shall not be accepted by any federal agency for identification or any other federal purpose.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 4, effective March 27, 2020. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 6, effective January 1, 2019.

186.411 Issuance of driver's license to person with a seizure condition -- Conditions -- Notice and hearing -- Option for determination of ability by medical review board.

(1) If a person with a seizure condition applies for an original, duplicate, modified, or renewal operator's license, or applies for an instruction permit, he or she shall be required by the cabinet to present to the Division of Driver Licensing certification by a physician or advanced practice registered nurse that his or her condition is controlled by drugs, details of the drugs, dosages which the person takes, and that the person has been free of any seizures for ninety (90) days; his or her own statement that he or she has been free of any seizures for ninety (90) days before the date of the application, and that he or she is taking the medication prescribed by his physician or advanced practice registered nurse. The division shall upon receipt of the required documentation issue him a letter of authorization to present to the cabinet. The cabinet shall not issue an operator's license to a person with a seizure condition who does not present the letter of authorization.

(2) Any person who has a seizure condition who cannot present the certification that his or her condition is controlled by drugs or a statement that he or she has been seizure-free for ninety (90) days shall be notified in writing by the cabinet that the person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle is withdrawn and of his or her right to have an informal hearing on the matter of whether he or she is an unsafe driver as a result of having the seizure condition. The notice shall be mailed by first-class mail to the address of record of the person. The hearing shall be automatically waived if not requested within twenty (20) days after the cabinet mails notice. The hearing shall be scheduled as early as practical after receipt of the request at a time and place designated by the cabinet.

(3) A person whose seizure condition would impair his or her ability to operate a motor vehicle may present evidence of the condition to the Division of Driver Licensing's medical review board as established under KRS 186.444, including his or her own attested statement, physician's or advanced practice registered nurse's statement, and medical dosage details. If the board determines that the person's seizure condition would not impair his or her ability to operate a motor vehicle, the division shall issue the letter of authorization required by subsection (1) of this section.

(4) A person whose seizure condition is of a nature that the seizure condition would not impair the ability to operate a motor vehicle may present evidence of this fact to the Division of Driver Licensing including the person's own attested statement, physician's or advanced practice registered nurse's statement, and medicine dosage details. If the division determines that the person's seizure condition does not impair the ability to operate a motor vehicle, the division shall issue the letter of authorization required by subsection (1) of this section.

(5) Any physician or advanced practice registered nurse shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability, absent a showing of bad faith, for providing any reports, records, examinations, opinions, or recommendations pursuant to this section.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 5, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 70, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 416, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 455, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 283, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 306, sec. 1.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). This section was amended by 1994 Ky. Acts chs. 416 and 455. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists, Acts ch. 416, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250.

186.412 Application of United States citizen or permanent resident for instruction permit or operator's license -- Information and documents required -- Applicant without fixed residence -- Photograph -- Scanning and retaining of application information -- Temporary license or permit -- Birth certificate -- Oath.

(1) As used in this section, "applicant" means a person who:

(a) Is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States; or

(b) Meets the minimum requirements for federal recognition in Section 202 of the REAL ID ACT of 2005, as amended, in 49 U.S.C. sec. 30301 note, and has been admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant pursuant to a compact of free association between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia.

(2) An applicant shall apply for an instruction permit or operator's license with the Transportation Cabinet, or through alternative technology. Except as provided in KRS 186.417, the application form shall require the applicant's:

(a) Full legal name and signature;

(b) Date of birth;

(c) Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration declining to issue a Social Security number;

(d) Sex;

(e) Present Kentucky resident address, exclusive of a post office box address alone;

(f) Other information necessary to permit the application of United States citizens to also serve as an application for voter registration;

(g) A brief physical description of the applicant;

(h) Proof of the applicant's Kentucky residency, including but not limited to a deed or property tax bill, utility agreement or utility bill, or rental housing agreement; and

(i) Other information the cabinet may require by administrative regulation promulgated under KRS Chapter 13A.

(3) (a) To satisfy the requirements of subsection (2)(e) and (h) of this section, an applicant seeking to obtain a renewal or duplicate operator's license may use a completed form attesting to the lack of an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return as established in accordance with paragraph (b) of this subsection. The form developed under paragraph (b) of this subsection shall not be used by an applicant for an initial operator's license or instruction permit.

(b) The cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to develop forms and procedures whereby an applicant for a renewal or duplicate operator's license under this section or KRS 186.4121, or an applicant for an initial, renewal, or duplicate personal identification card under KRS 186.4122 or 186.4123, who does not have an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return may use as proof of residency, a form, attested to by a homeless shelter, health care facility, or social service agency currently providing the applicant treatment or services, that the applicant is a resident of Kentucky. An applicant who does not have an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return shall not be issued a voluntary travel ID operator's license under this section or KRS 186.4121.

(4) In addition to the information identified in subsection (2) of this section, a:

(a) Permanent resident shall present one (1) of the following documents issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services:

An I-551 card with a photograph of the applicant; or
A form with the photograph of the applicant or a passport with a photograph of the applicant on which the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, has stamped the following: "Processed for I-551. Temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence. Valid until .... (Expiration Date). Employment authorized."; and

(b) Person who meets the definition in subsection (1)(b) of this section shall present a valid, unexpired passport from his or her country of origin, along with one (1) of the following documents issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services:

Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record number;
Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document number; or
Form I-797, Notice of Action receipt number.

(5) Upon application for an operator's license under this section, the cabinet shall capture a photograph of the applicant in accordance with the requirements of KRS 186.4102(1).

(6) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the cabinet shall electronically scan the documents required for application under this section and shall electronically retain the application, supporting documents, and the photograph of the applicant. Upon completion of any required examinations under KRS 186.480, the cabinet shall present the applicant with a temporary operator's license or instruction permit, which shall be valid for thirty (30) days until a permanent operator's license or instruction permit is mailed to the applicant by the Transportation Cabinet.

(b) The cabinet shall only electronically scan the birth certificate of an individual applying for a voluntary travel ID instruction permit or operator's license. If the applicant is not seeking such a permit or license, the cabinet shall not electronically scan the applicant's birth certificate.

(c) An applicant for an operator's license or instruction permit shall not be required to surrender the applicant's birth certificate for image capture, image storage, or image transmission to any entity, including the federal government, unless express consent is given by the applicant during the course of obtaining a voluntary travel ID license or permit.

(7) An applicant shall swear an oath to the cabinet as to the truthfulness of the statements contained in the form.

Effective: July 1, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 18, effective July 1, 2025. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 185, sec. 1, effective July 1, 2025. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 6, effective March 27, 2020. -- Repealed and reenacted 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 2, effective June 24, 2015. -- Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 11, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2012. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 5, effective June 8, 2011; and ch. 79, sec. 2, effective June 8, 2011. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 98, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010; and ch. 161, sec. 32, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 46, sec. 2, effective June 25, 2009. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 2, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 192, effective June 26, 2007. - - Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 4, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 55, sec. 1, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 96, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2002; ch. 261, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2003; and ch. 264, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 535, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 1, effective March 16, 1998; and ch. 192, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 185, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996; and ch. 198, sec. 5, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 86, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994; ch. 393, sec. 9, effective January 1, 1995; and ch. 481, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 455, sec. 29, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 165, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 142, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 402, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 236, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982; ch. 243, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982; and ch. 389, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 349, sec. 4, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 434, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 15, sec. 1, effective January 1, 1975; and ch. 124, sec. 1. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 1; and ch. 103, sec. 1. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 3, effective June 13, 1968. -- Created 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 2.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). This section was amended by 1994 Ky. Acts chs. 86, 393, and 481. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where Acts chs. 86 and 481 are in conflict, Acts ch. 481, which was the last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250. 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 393 amending this section is effective January 1, 1995, according to OAG 94-42.

186.4121 Instruction permit or operator's license application for non-United States citizen or permanent resident -- Immigration status and personal identity documentation and verification -- Renewal or duplicate license -- Term of license.

(1) As used in this section, "applicant" means a person who:

(a) Is not a United States citizen;

(b) Has not been granted status as a permanent resident of the United States; and

(c) Does not meet the minimum requirements for federal recognition in Section 202 of the REAL ID ACT of 2005, as amended, in 49 U.S.C. sec. 30301 note, and has not been admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant pursuant to a compact of free association between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia.

(2) An applicant shall apply for an instruction permit or operator's license to either the Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort or a Transportation Cabinet field office. An applicant under this section shall complete the application identified in KRS 186.412, along with other documents required under this section. The cabinet shall keep an electronic copy of the documentation submitted with the application and shall capture a photograph of the applicant in accordance with KRS 186.4102(1)

(3) The application form under this section shall be accompanied by the applicant's documentation issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, authorizing the person to be in the United States and, if applicable, the applicant's international driving permit. The Transportation Cabinet shall verify the information submitted under this subsection through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.

(4) The application form of a special status individual with a K-1 status shall be accompanied by an original or certified copy of the applicant's completed marriage license signed by the official who presided over the marriage ceremony and two (2) witnesses. The application form of a special status individual with a K-1 status shall also include the applicant's petition to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage that contains the name of the prospective spouse. If the name of the prospective spouse on the petition does not match the name of the spouse on the marriage license, the Transportation Cabinet shall not be required to issue an operator's license.

(5) (a) The Transportation Cabinet shall verify and validate the immigration status and personal identity of an applicant under this section through federal government systems and databases.

(b) If an applicant's identity and immigration status is validated, the cabinet shall capture a photograph of the applicant, and scan the required documents into the cabinet's database.

(c) If the applicant successfully completes any examinations required under KRS 186.480, or if an examination is not required, the Transportation Cabinet shall present the applicant with a temporary operator's license or instruction permit, which shall be valid for thirty (30) days until a permanent operator's license or instruction permit is mailed to the applicant.

(d) An applicant under this section shall only be issued a standard operator's license or instruction permit.

(6) (a) An applicant shall apply to renew an operator's license, or obtain a duplicate operator's license, at the Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort or a Transportation Cabinet field office.

(b) If an applicant has any type of change in his or her immigration status, the applicant shall apply to update the operator's license with either the Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort or a Transportation Cabinet field office within ten (10) days.

(7) An applicant shall swear an oath to the Transportation Cabinet as to the truthfulness of the statements contained in the form.

(8) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, an initial or renewal operator's license issued to an applicant who is not a special status individual shall be valid for a period equal to the length of time the applicant's documentation from the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, is valid, or eight (8) years, whichever time period is shorter.

(b) An initial or renewal operator's license shall be valid for a period of one (1) year if the applicant is not a special status individual and the person's documentation issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, is issued for an indefinite period of time and does not have an expiration date. The fee shall be the same as for a regular operator's license.

Effective: July 1, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 19, effective July 1, 2025. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 3, effective January 1, 2019.

186.4122 Personal identification card application for United States citizen or permanent resident -- Photograph -- Scanning and retaining application information -- Proof of residency -- Homeless child or youth -- Issuance of personal identification card and operator's license or instruction permit -- Term of identification card.

(1) As used in this section, "applicant" means a person who:

(a) Is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States; or

(2) The Transportation Cabinet shall issue a personal identification card to an applicant who:

(a) Is a Kentucky resident;

(b) Applies in person to the cabinet or through alternative technology; and

(3) Upon application for a personal identification card under this section, the cabinet shall capture a photograph of the applicant in accordance with KRS 186.4102(1).

(4) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the cabinet shall electronically scan the documents required for application under this section and shall electronically retain the application, supporting documents, and the photograph of the applicant. The cabinet shall present the applicant with a temporary personal identification card, which shall be valid for thirty (30) days until a permanent personal identification card is mailed to the applicant by the Transportation Cabinet.

(b) The cabinet shall only electronically scan the birth certificate of an individual applying for a voluntary travel ID personal identification card. If the applicant is not seeking such a document, the cabinet shall not electronically scan the applicant's birth certificate.

(c) An applicant for a personal identification card shall not be required to surrender the applicant's birth certificate for image capture, image storage, or image transmission to any entity, including the federal government, unless express consent is given by the applicant during the course of obtaining a voluntary travel ID personal identification card.

(5) (a) An application for a personal identification card shall be accompanied by the same information as is required for an operator's license under KRS 186.412, except if an applicant does not have an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return, the applicant may:

Until July 1, 2025, use as proof of residency a signed letter from a homeless shelter, health care facility, or social service agency currently providing the applicant treatment or services and attesting that the applicant is a resident of Kentucky; or
On or after July 1, 2025, follow the procedures outlined in KRS 186.412(3).

(b) An applicant who does not have an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return shall not be issued a voluntary travel ID personal identification card.

(c) An applicant for a personal identification card who is at least sixteen (16) years of age but less than eighteen (18) years of age shall not be required to obtain a signature of a parent or legal guardian on the application if the applicant has been verified as a homeless child or youth, as defined in 42 U.S.C. sec. 11434a(2), by at least one (1) of the following:

A director or designee of a governmental or nonprofit agency that receives public or private funding to provide services to homeless people;
A local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youths designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C. sec. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii), or a school social worker or school counselor;
The director or director's designee of a federal TRIO Program or a Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program; or
A financial aid administrator for an institution of higher education.

(d) It shall be permissible for the application form for a personal identification card to include as an applicant's most current resident address a mailing address or an address provided on a voter registration card.

(e) If the applicant is not the legal owner or possessor of the address provided on the application form, the applicant shall swear that he or she has permission from the legal owner, authorized agent for the legal owner, or possessor to use the address for purposes of obtaining the personal identification card.

(6) (a) Every applicant for a personal identification card under this section shall swear an oath to the cabinet as to the truthfulness of the statements contained on the application form.

(b) A personal identification card may be suspended or revoked if the person who was issued the card presents false or misleading information to the cabinet when applying for the card.

(7) A personal identification card issued under this section shall be valid for a period of eight (8) years from the date of issuance, except that if the personal identification card is issued to a person who does not have an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return, then the personal identification card shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance.

(8) (a) An applicant shall not be issued a personal identification card if the applicant currently holds a valid Kentucky instruction permit or operator's license. A person shall not hold more than one (1) license or personal identification card.

(b) If a person's instruction permit or operator's license has been suspended or revoked, the person may be issued a personal identification card. A personal identification card shall be surrendered when the person applies to have his or her instruction permit or operator's license reinstated.

Effective: July 1, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 20, effective July 1, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 18, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 185, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 7, effective March 27, 2020. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 4, effective January 1, 2019.

186.4123 Personal identification card application for non-United States citizen or permanent resident -- Photograph -- Scanning of application documents -- Proof of residency -- Applicant without fixed residence -- Immigration documentation -- Immigration status and personal identity verification -- Term of identification card.

(1) As used in this section, "applicant" means a person who:

(a) Is not a United States citizen;

(b) Has not been granted status as a permanent resident of the United States; and

(2) The Transportation Cabinet shall issue a personal identification card to an applicant who:

(a) Is a Kentucky resident;

(b) Applies in person to either the Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort or a Transportation Cabinet field office; and

(3) Upon application for a personal identification card under this section, the cabinet shall capture a photograph of the applicant in accordance with KRS 186.4102(1).

(4) The cabinet shall electronically scan the documents required for application under this section, supporting documents, and the photograph of the applicant into the cabinet's database.

(5) (a) An application for a personal identification card shall be accompanied by the same information as is required for an operator's license under KRS 186.412, along with other documents required under this section, except if an applicant does not have an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return, the applicant may:

Until July 1, 2025, use as proof of residency a signed letter from a homeless shelter, health care facility, or social service agency currently providing the applicant treatment or services and attesting that the applicant is a resident of Kentucky; or
On or after July 1, 2025, follow the procedures outlined in KRS 186.412(3).

(b) An applicant who does not have an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return shall not be issued a voluntary travel ID personal identification card.

(c) It shall be permissible for the application form for a personal identification card to include as an applicant's most current resident address a mailing address or an address provided on a voter registration card.

(d) If the applicant is not the legal owner or possessor of the address provided on the application form, the applicant shall swear that he or she has permission from the legal owner, authorized agent for the legal owner, or possessor to use the address for purposes of obtaining the personal identification card.

(6) The application form under this section shall be accompanied by the applicant's documentation issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, authorizing the applicant to be in the United States. The Transportation Cabinet shall verify the information submitted under this subsection through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.

(7) The application form of a special status individual with a K-1 status shall be accompanied by an original or certified copy of the applicant's completed marriage license signed by the official who presided over the marriage ceremony and two (2) witnesses. The application form of a special status individual with a K-1 status shall also include the applicant's petition to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage that contains the name of the prospective spouse. If the name of the prospective spouse on the petition does not match the name of the spouse on the marriage license, the Transportation Cabinet shall not be required to issue an operator's license.

(8) (a) The Transportation Cabinet shall verify and validate the immigration status and personal identity of an applicant under this section through federal government systems and databases.

(b) If an applicant's identity and immigration status is validated, the cabinet shall capture a photograph of the applicant, scan the required documents into the cabinet's database, and present the applicant with a temporary personal identification card, which shall be valid for thirty (30) days until a permanent personal identification card is mailed to the applicant.

(9) (a) An applicant shall apply to renew a personal identification card, or obtain a duplicate personal identification card, at the Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort or a Transportation Cabinet field office.

(b) If a person has any type of change in his or her immigration status, the person shall apply to update with either the Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort or a Transportation Cabinet field office within ten (10) days.

(10) (a) Every applicant for a personal identification card under this section shall swear an oath to the Transportation Cabinet as to the truthfulness of the statements contained on the application form.

(b) A personal identification card may be suspended or revoked if the person who was issued the card presents false or misleading information to the cabinet when applying for the card.

(11) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, an initial or renewal personal identification card issued to an applicant who is not a special status individual shall be valid for a period equal to the length of time the applicant's documentation from the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, is valid, or eight (8) years, whichever time period is shorter.

(b) A personal identification card shall be valid for a period of one (1) year if:

The applicant is not a special status individual and the applicant's documentation issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, is issued for an indefinite period of time and does not have an expiration

date. The fee shall be the same as for a regular personal identification card; or

The personal identification card is issued to a person who does not have an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return.

Effective: July 1, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 21, effective July 1, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 19, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 185, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2023. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 5, effective January 1, 2019.

186.4124 Definitions for section -- Administrative regulations -- Third-party application processors for identity documents -- Eligibility -- Fees.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Identity document" means an operator's license or personal identification card issued under KRS 186.4102, 186.412, 186.4121, 186.4122, or 186.4123; and

(b) "Third-party entity":

Means a person or entity, including but not limited to a business entity or nonprofit member association, that has received approval from the cabinet to process identity documents in accordance with this section; and
Does not include any governmental entity other than the cabinet.

(2) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to establish procedures by which third-party entities may apply to the cabinet to serve as application processors for identity documents.

(3) A third-party entity that wishes to serve as an application processor for identity documents under this section shall:

(a) Apply to the cabinet and receive cabinet approval;

(b) Agree to comply with all relevant administrative regulations and policies of the cabinet; and

(4) In addition to the fees set forth in KRS 186.531, a third-party entity that processes applications for identity documents under this section may charge a fee for the service provided.

Effective: June 27, 2025

History: Created 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 72, sec. 4, effective June 27, 2025.

186.4125 Documentation required for voluntary travel ID.

In order to apply for a voluntary travel ID identity document under KRS 186.403, the applicant shall present:

(1) The applicant's certified birth certificate;

(2) A valid, unexpired, United States passport or Permanent Resident Card (Form I- 551); or

(3) For persons who meet the definition of KRS 186.412(1)(b), a valid, unexpired passport from his or her country of origin, along with one (1) of the following documents issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services:

(a) Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record number;

(b) Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document number; or

Effective: July 1, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 22, effective July 1, 2025. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 20, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 14, effective January 1, 2019. -- Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 287, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998.

186.413 Repealed, 2002.

[Repealed]

186.414 Repealed, 1978.

[Repealed]

186.415 Application for operator's license by military enlistee -- Conditions.

(1) Notwithstanding KRS 186.450, 186.452, and 186.454, a person who is under eighteen (18) years of age may apply for an operator's license if the person has:

(a) Held an instruction permit for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days; and

(b) Enlisted in the United States Armed Forces or a state National Guard.

(2) An individual eligible to apply for an operator's license under this section shall present proof of enlistment at the time of application.

Effective: June 25, 2009

History: Created 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 46, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2009.

186.416 Renewal and update of operator's license electronically or by mail for military personnel and spouse and dependents stationed outside of Kentucky -- Veteran's designation on operator's license or personal ID card -- Administrative regulations.

(Effective July 15, 2026)

(1) If a resident of the Commonwealth currently serving in the United States military is stationed or assigned to a base or other location outside the boundaries of the Commonwealth, the resident, or the resident's spouse or dependents, may:

(a) Update his or her license electronically or by mail to include a motorcycle operator's endorsement on an existing operator's license; or

(b) Renew a Class D operator's license issued under this section by mail. If the resident, or his or her spouse or dependents, was issued an "under 21" operator's license, upon the date of the license holder's twenty-first birthday, the "under 21" operator's license may be renewed for an operator's license that no longer contains the outdated reference to being "under 21."

(2) A resident of the Commonwealth renewing an operator's license by mail under subsection (1) of this section may have a personal designee apply to the cabinet on behalf of the resident to renew the resident's operator's license. An operator's license for which an endorsement is being added electronically or by mail, or which is being renewed by mail under subsection (1) of this section shall be issued a license bearing the applicant's historical photo if there is a photo on file. If there is no photo on file, the license shall be issued without a photograph and shall show in the space provided for the photograph the legend "valid without photo and signature."

(3) (a) 1. If a resident of the Commonwealth has been serving in the United States military stationed or assigned to a base or other location outside the boundaries of the Commonwealth and has allowed his or her operator's license to expire, he or she shall, within ninety (90) days of returning to the Commonwealth, be permitted to renew his or her license without having to take a written test or road test.

The spouse or dependent of a person identified in subparagraph 1. of this paragraph shall be afforded the same consideration identified in that subparagraph regarding the renewal of an expired operator's license.

(b) A person who meets the criteria in paragraph (a) of this subsection shall not be convicted or cited for driving on an expired license prior to license renewal during the ninety (90) days after the person's return to the Commonwealth if the person can provide proof of his or her out-of-state service and dates of assignment.

(c) A person who meets the criteria in paragraph (a) of this subsection and who does not renew his or her license within ninety (90) days of returning to the Commonwealth shall be required to comply with the provisions of this chapter governing renewal of a license that has expired.

(4) (a) Any person who served in the active Armed Forces of the United States, including the Coast Guard, and any member of the National Guard or Reserve Component who completed the member's term of service and was released, separated, discharged, or retired therefrom under either an honorable discharge or a general under honorable conditions discharge may, at the time of initial application or application for renewal or duplicate, request that an operator's license or a personal identification card issued under this chapter bear the word "veteran" on the face or the back of the license or personal identification card.

(b) The designation shall be in a style and format considered appropriate by the Transportation Cabinet. Prior to obtaining a designation requested under this subsection, the applicant shall present to the cabinet as proof of eligibility, an original or copy of his or her:

Unexpired Veteran Identification Card or Veteran Health Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;
DD-2, DD-214, DD-256, DD-257, or NGB-22 form; or
Unexpired Geneva Conventions Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Defense. The cabinet shall not be liable for fraudulent or misread forms presented.

(5) The cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to establish forms and procedures for facilitating the addition of a motorcycle endorsement to an existing operator's license, both electronically and by mail, in accordance with subsection (1) of this section.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 22, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 17, sec. 5, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 42, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2020; and ch. 51, sec. 8, effective March 27, 2020. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 9, effective January 1, 2019.

186.417 Issuance of operator's license or personal identification card to released felon -- Documentation required -- Processing and issuance -- Administrative regulations governing operator's licenses for eligible current inmates.

(1) The Transportation Cabinet shall issue to any felony offender, if the felony offender is eligible, released from the Kentucky Department of Corrections, a county jail or other local or regional correctional facility, if and when funds are available, or a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility located in Kentucky on home incarceration, parole, completed service of sentence, shock probation, or pardon, a personal identification card or, if the felony offender is eligible, an operator's license. An offender who wishes to obtain a personal identification card or operator's license shall provide proper documentation to comply with the provisions of this section.

(2) Proper documentation under subsection (1) of this section shall consist of:

(a) The offender's certificate of birth;

(b) A copy of the offender's resident record card and parole certificate or notice of discharge;

(d) A release letter that shall contain the offender's:

Full legal name, subject to the information available to the Kentucky Department of Corrections or a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility located in Kentucky;
Discharge/release date;
Signature;
Social Security number;
Date of birth;
Present Kentucky address where he or she resides; and
Physical description.

(3) The Transportation Cabinet shall issue to any felony offender, if the felony offender is eligible, probated or conditionally discharged by the court and under the supervision of the Division of Probation and Parole or the United States Probation Office, a personal identification card or, if the felony offender is eligible, an operator's license. An offender who wishes to obtain a personal identification card or operator's license shall provide proper documentation to comply with the provisions of this section.

(4) Proper documentation under subsection (3) of this section shall consist of:

(a) The offender's certificate of birth;

(b) The offender's sentencing order;

(d) A notarized release letter, signed by the supervising officer verifying the offender's status on supervision, that shall contain the offender's:

Full legal name, subject to the information available to the Division of Probation and Parole or the United States Probation Office;
Signature;
Social Security number;
Date of birth;
Present Kentucky address where he or she resides; and
Physical description.

(5) The offender shall present the documentation identified in subsection (2) or (4) of this section to the cabinet within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the release letter and shall be responsible for paying the fee for the personal identification card or operator's license pursuant to KRS 186.531.

(6) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to establish procedures for current inmates in state and federal prisons, who are deemed eligible by prison officials, to be issued operator's licenses to engage in work release activities or reentry initiatives. The administrative regulations shall address, at a minimum:

(a) The information required for application, which shall include all information in paragraph (b) of this subsection which is germane to a current inmate. For purposes of this paragraph, the facility in which the inmate is housed shall be considered the inmate's residence;

(b) Required documentation from the Department of Corrections or the Federal Bureau of Prisons that the inmate meets the security criteria to be eligible for work outside of the facility;

(d) Restrictions on use of the license, including a requirement that the inmate shall surrender the license to prison officials when the inmate is not engaged in work outside the facility.

(7) The cabinet shall process applications for operator's licenses and personal identification cards under this section in the same manner as in KRS 186.412 and 186.4122.

(8) The Transportation Cabinet may enter into an agreement with the Kentucky Department of Corrections, the United States Probation Office, or the Federal Bureau of Prisons to use a mobile unit to begin the issuance process in this section.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 174, sec. 23, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 9, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 74, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2019. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 7, effective January 1, 2019.

186.418 Voluntary statewide child identification program -- Travel ID child identification -- Fee -- Term of child identification card.

(1) The Transportation Cabinet shall implement a voluntary statewide child identification program. The program shall issue a photo personal identification card to a child two (2) to fifteen (15) years of age.

(2) A parent or guardian may apply for a child identification card under this section at the cabinet. Application for a child identification card shall be accompanied by a Social Security card and a birth certificate for the child or other proof of the child's date of birth as provided under KRS 186.412. The card shall not contain the child's Social Security number.

(3) (a) If the child's parent or guardian wishes to obtain a travel ID child identification card, the cabinet shall scan the application and supporting documentation, capture a photograph of the child in accordance with the provisions of KRS 186.4102(1), and issue the child identification card by mail.

(b) If the child's parent or guardian does not wish to obtain a travel ID child identification card, the cabinet shall scan the application, capture a photograph of the child in accordance with the provisions of KRS 186.4102(1), and issue the child identification card by mail.

(c) A parent or guardian applying under this section shall not be required to surrender the child's birth certificate for image capture, image storage, or image transmission to any entity, including the federal government, unless express consent is given by the parent or guardian during the course of obtaining a voluntary travel ID child identification card.

(4) A child identification card issued under this section shall contain the child's name and the toll-free number of the Kentucky missing persons clearinghouse, Department of Kentucky State Police. The descriptive data and a photo image of the child shall be stored in the Kentucky driver's license information system and may be retrieved and used by public agencies subject to the provisions of the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. sec. 2721, and may also be used by the Kentucky missing persons clearinghouse.

(5) The fee for a child identification card shall be six dollars ($6), which shall be deposited into the KYTC photo license account established in KRS 174.056.

(6) A child identification card shall expire every four (4) years on the child's birthday. Within the time period that the child identification card is valid, the card may be updated with a new photograph and information. The fee for an updated card shall be six dollars ($6), with the fee distributed in the same manner as the fee for an initial card as described in subsection (5) of this section.

(7) If a parent or guardian complies with the requirements of KRS 186.403 and 186.419, the parent or guardian may request that the child identification card issued to a minor child under this section be a voluntary travel ID identity document under KRS 186.403.

(8) A child identification card issued under this section shall contain a denotation that either:

(a) The child identification card is a voluntary travel ID identity document that complies with the security standards set forth by Pub. L. No. 109-13, Title II, and may be used for identification for federal purposes; or

(b) The identity document shall not be used for federal identification purposes.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 10, effective March 27, 2020. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 8, effective January 1, 2019.

186.419 Additional documentation required for voluntary travel ID permit, license, or identification card -- Administrative regulations -- Proof of physical address and citizenship or immigration status.

(1) In addition to the information required under KRS 186.412, 186.4121, 186.4122, and 186.4123, an applicant for a voluntary travel ID instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card under KRS 186.403 shall present two (2) of the following documents upon application or renewal that show the name and physical residential address of the applicant:

(a) Utility bill that is less than one (1) year old;

(b) Current lease or rental agreement;

(d) Mortgage statement;

(e) Telephone bill that is less than one (1) year old;

(f) Current insurance policy;

(g) State or federal tax return that is less than one (1) year old;

(h) Pay slip or salary statement that is less than one (1) year old;

(i) Record from an educational institution in Kentucky which establishes enrollment;

(j) Kentucky voter registration card that is less than one (1) year old;

(k) Current property tax bill;

(l) Current vehicle registration;

(m) Current operator's license, instruction permit, or personal identification card;

(n) Postmarked mail that is less than one (1) year old;

(o) Internal Revenue Service form W-2 from the most recent tax year available; or

(p) Internal Revenue Service form 1099 from the most recent tax year available.

(2) Any of the documents described in subsection (1) of this section that contains the name of the spouse of the applicant, together with a certified copy of the applicant's marriage license or marriage certificate, shall be considered acceptable documentation of proof of residence under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The Transportation Cabinet may promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A to identify additional documentation that would satisfy the proof of residence requirement under this section.

(4) A Kentucky post office box address is not sufficient proof of physical address for purposes of this section.

(5) The cabinet may require additional proof of physical address if the cabinet questions the validity or authenticity of the proof of physical address submitted by the applicant.

(6) In addition to the information required under KRS 186.412, 186.4121, 186.4122, and 186.4123, an applicant for a voluntary travel ID instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card under KRS 186.403 shall present valid documentary evidence that the applicant:

(a) Is a citizen or national of the United States;

(b) Is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence in the United States;

(d) Has an approved application for asylum in the United States or has entered into the United States in refugee status;

(e) Has a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa or nonimmigrant visa status for entry into the United States;

(f) Has a pending application for asylum in the United States;

(g) Has a pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States;

(h) Has approved deferred action status; or

(i) Has a pending application for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States or conditional permanent resident status in the United States.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 11, effective March 27, 2020. -- Created 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 11, effective January 1, 2019.

186.420 Exemption of operators of road or farm machinery and persons in Armed Forces.

(1) No person need obtain an operator's license to operate a road roller, road machinery or any tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily drawn or propelled on the highways.

(2) Every person in the service of the Army, Navy or Marine Corps of the United States, when furnished with an operator's permit from the United States, shall be exempt from an operator's license when operating an official vehicle in the course of his service.

Effective: July 1, 1950

History: Amended 1950 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 2, effective July 1, 1950. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 4. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 74, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-35.

186.430 Exemptions from Kentucky operator's license requirement.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) or (6) of this section, a person over the age of sixteen (16) who is a United States citizen and who is not a resident of Kentucky may drive in Kentucky for a period of time not to exceed one (1) year from the date the person enters Kentucky if:

(a) The person possesses a valid license issued by the person's home state;

(b) The person has the license in his or her immediate possession at all times when operating a vehicle on the highways; and

(2) A person who is a United States citizen but who is not a resident of Kentucky who is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at a university, college, or technical college located in Kentucky may drive in Kentucky on a valid license issued by the person's state of domicile, and shall not be required to obtain a Kentucky operator's license under this chapter if the person has a student identification card from a university, college, or technical college located in Kentucky in his or her immediate possession at all times when driving in Kentucky.

(3) A person over the age of sixteen (16) who is not a United States citizen and who is legally visiting this country for less than one (1) year may drive in Kentucky on a valid domestic license issued by the person's country of domicile and shall not be required to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

(4) A person over the age of sixteen (16) who is not a United States citizen, who has not been granted status as a permanent resident of the United States, but is a resident of Kentucky, shall be issued a Kentucky operator's license if the person complies with the requirements of KRS 186.4121. The cabinet may at any time refuse or discontinue the exemptions authorized in this section for any grounds and may deny, cancel, suspend, or revoke an instruction permit or operator's license issued under this chapter.

(5) A person whose operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped in this state has been denied, withdrawn, canceled, suspended, or revoked as provided in KRS 186.400 to 186.640 shall not operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped in this state under a license, permit, or registration certificate issued by any other jurisdiction during the period of denial, withdrawal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation.

(6) The following persons may drive in Kentucky on a valid operator's license issued by the person's state or United States territory of domicile and shall not be required to obtain a Kentucky operator's license under this chapter if the person is:

(a) A member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in Kentucky who maintains a home of record for military purposes outside of Kentucky;

(b) The member's spouse; or

(c) The member's child or stepchild who is sixteen (16) years of age or older and a dependent or under guardianship of the member.

Effective: June 29, 2021

History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 15, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 5, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 6, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 2. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m- 36.

186.435 Application for operator's license by driver who becomes Kentucky resident -- Verification of status in other jurisdiction -- Procedures for permanent residents -- Application of driver who becomes Kentucky resident.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a licensed driver who becomes a Kentucky resident shall, within thirty (30) days of establishing residency, apply for a Kentucky operator's license to the Transportation Cabinet.

(2) The Transportation Cabinet shall, before issuing a person a Kentucky operator's license, verify through the National Drivers Register that the person applying for a Kentucky operator's license does not currently have his or her operator's license or driving privilege suspended or revoked in another licensing jurisdiction.

(3) A person who is not a United States citizen but who has been granted permanent resident status by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, and who is a Kentucky resident, shall follow the same procedures for applying for an original, renewal, transfer, or duplicate operator's license as persons who are United States citizens.

(4) A licensed driver from another jurisdiction who:

(a) Is not a United States citizen;

(b) Has not been granted permanent resident status by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services;

(d) Wishes to operate a motor vehicle; shall, within thirty (30) days of establishing residency, apply for a Kentucky operator's license under the provisions of KRS 186.4121.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 12, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 16, effective January 1, 2019. -- Created 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2002.

186.440 Persons ineligible for operator's license -- Reinstatement fee.

An operator's license shall not be granted to:

(1) Any person who is not a resident of Kentucky;

(2) Any person under the age of sixteen (16);

(3) Any person under the age of eighteen (18) who holds a valid Kentucky instruction permit issued pursuant to KRS 186.450, but who has not graduated from high school or who is not enrolled and successfully participating in school or who is not being schooled at home, except those persons who satisfy the District Court of appropriate venue pursuant to KRS 159.051(3) that revocation of their license would create an undue hardship. Persons under the age of eighteen (18) shall present proof of complying with the requirements of KRS 159.051;

(4) Any person whose operator's license has been suspended, during the period of suspension, subject to the limitations of KRS 186.442;

(5) Any person whose operator's license has been revoked, nor to any nonresident whose privilege of exemption under KRS 186.430 has been refused or discontinued, until the expiration of the period for which the license was revoked, or for which the privilege was refused or discontinued;

(6) Any applicant adjudged incompetent by judicial decree;

(7) Any person who in the opinion of the Department of Kentucky State Police, after examination, is unable to exercise reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle upon the highways;

(8) Any person who is unable to understand highway warnings or direction signs in the English language;

(9) Any person required by KRS 186.480 to take an examination who has not successfully passed the examination;

(10) Any person required by KRS Chapter 187 to deposit proof of financial responsibility, who has not deposited that proof;

(11) Any person who has not filed a correct and complete application attested to in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths;

(12) Any person who cannot meet the requirements set forth in KRS 186.411(1) or (3); or

(13) Any person whose operator's license has been suspended or revoked under the provisions of KRS Chapter 186, 187, or 189A who has not paid the reinstatement fee required under KRS 186.531.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 13, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 24, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 193, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 189, sec. 2, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 442, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 4, effective October 1, 1996; and ch. 341, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 267, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994; ch. 416, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 455, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990; and ch. 234, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 88, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 8, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 306, sec. 2. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 1; and ch. 255, sec. 170. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-37.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). This section was amended by 1994 Ky. Acts chs. 267, 416, and 455. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists, Acts ch. 416, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250.

186.442 Suspension or revocation of license or driving privileges in another jurisdiction -- Persons eligible for restricted license -- Application and supporting documents -- Issuance of license valid only in Kentucky -- Removal of restrictions -- Inapplicability to commercial driver's license.

(1) The Transportation Cabinet shall, before issuing or renewing a Kentucky operator's license, verify through the National Drivers Register that the person applying for an initial or renewal Kentucky operator's license does not currently have his or her operator's license or driving privilege suspended or revoked in another licensing jurisdiction.

(2) If the person's operator's license or driving privilege is currently suspended or revoked in another licensing jurisdiction for a traffic offense where the conviction for the offense is less than five (5) years old, the Transportation Cabinet shall not issue the person an initial or renewal Kentucky operator's license until the person resolves the matter in the other licensing jurisdiction and complies with the provisions of this chapter.

(3) A person whose operator's license has been suspended or revoked in another licensing jurisdiction, or the holder of a Kentucky operator's license whose driving privileges have been suspended in another licensing jurisdiction, may be issued a Kentucky license, or may renew a Kentucky license if:

(a) The conviction causing the suspension or revocation is more than five (5) years old;

(b) The conviction is for a traffic offense other than a felony traffic offense or a habitual violator offense; and

(c) The person has been a resident of the Commonwealth for at least five (5) years prior to the date of application for issuance or renewal.

(4) (a) A person applying for an operator's license under subsection (3) of this section shall submit an application to the cabinet, who shall electronically scan the application and supporting documents, along with a photograph of the applicant captured in accordance with KRS 186.4102(1), into the cabinet database.

(b) The cabinet shall review the person's documentation, including the person's photograph, in the cabinet database. If the documentation is verified as accurate, and if the person successfully completes any examinations required under KRS 186.480 and pays the reinstatement fee required under KRS 186.531, the cabinet shall present the applicant with a temporary operator's license, which shall be valid for thirty (30) days, until a permanent operator's license is mailed to the applicant by the Transportation Cabinet.

(5) A person issued a Kentucky operator's license in accordance with subsection (3) of this section shall be issued an operator's license marked "Valid in Kentucky Only" and shall sign a statement that the person understands that he or she may be subject to arrest and detention if stopped by a law enforcement officer in another state while operating a motor vehicle on this restricted license.

(6) If a person granted a license under subsection (3) of this section satisfies the requirements to have the suspension or revocation in another state lifted, the person shall apply to the cabinet to be issued a new license without the restrictions outlined in subsection (3) of this section.

(7) The provisions of subsection (3) of this section shall not apply to a commercial driver's license.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 14, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 17, effective January 1, 2019. -- Created 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 189, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2003.

186.444 Medical review board -- Purpose -- Members -- Informal hearing -- Forms -- Procedures -- Medical report may supersede medical review board -- Authority of cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations -- Prohibition against age-based licensing limitations -- Appeal.

(1) A medical review board shall be established to receive cases relating to the ability of an applicant or holder of a motor vehicle operator's license to drive due to physical or mental disability which may affect or limit a person's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

(2) The secretary of the Transportation Cabinet shall appoint any number of physicians authorized to practice medicine, osteopaths, optometrists, or advanced practice registered nurses licensed in the Commonwealth to the medical review board. One

(1) member who is licensed in the area relevant to the case shall be present in order to conduct an informal hearing. The cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to establish the amount each member shall receive per day for attending meetings of the board, and each member shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings. The board shall use reasonable efforts to minimize the costs to the person whose case is under review.

(3) The cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to establish the medical review board forms, which shall include a signed sworn statement affirming that the person has a physical or mental condition that could impair his or her ability to operate a motor vehicle, the medical standards for operators of motor vehicles, and the procedures of the medical review board in conducting informal hearings.

(4) A person who is under review pursuant to a medical review board case shall, upon a request in writing, be furnished with a copy of the report alleging that the person has a physical or mental condition that could impair his or her ability to operate a motor vehicle.

(5) If the cabinet decides to take action to restrict a person's driving privileges, it shall:

(a) Provide written notice to the person of the decision to take licensing action; and

(b) Inform the person that the licensing action shall take place unless the person submits to and completes an examination in satisfaction of the medical standards set forth in administrative regulation.

(6) If the person is unable to satisfactorily complete the examination under subsection (5)(b) of this section, the cabinet shall, prior to the decision to take licensing action based on a person's physical or mental condition, consult with appointed members of the medical review board who are licensed in the area relevant to the case.

(7) If the cabinet takes action to restrict a person's driving privileges, the person may request an informal hearing in front of the medical review board.

(8) At any time during the proceeding of a case, a properly submitted report in response to the medical review board from a person's licensed medical professional certifying that, based on the application of the medical review board standards set forth in administrative regulation and the vision standards for vision specialists set forth in KRS 186.577, the person does not have a condition that impairs his or her ability to operate a motor vehicle, may supersede the medical review board and the person may be approved to operate a motor vehicle unless other physical or mental conditions exist.

(9) The cabinet shall not promulgate administrative regulations for the purpose of creating tests or other criteria that might limit a person's ability to obtain or retain an operator's license because that person may be considered too old to drive.

(10) Any person aggrieved by a decision made as a result of an informal hearing conducted under authority of KRS 186.411 and this section may appeal, and upon appeal an administrative hearing shall be conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.

Effective: June 27, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 72, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 15, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 71, effective July 15, 1996. -- Created 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 455, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994.

186.445 Repealed, 1950.

[Repealed]

186.447 Motorcycle operator's license restriction -- Three-wheeled motorcycles.

The Transportation Cabinet shall establish a restriction on motorcycle operator's licenses which limits the operator to the operation of a three (3) wheeled motorcycle only.

Effective: June 29, 2021

History: Created 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 188, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021.

186.450 Instruction permits for motor vehicle and motorcycle -- Application -- Age requirements -- Restrictions on driving with permit -- Assessment of points -- Exemption from permit for applicant who completes motorcycle rider training course -- Administrative regulations -- Minors and adults who assume responsibility for them.

(1) A person who is at least fifteen (15) years of age may apply for an instruction permit to operate a motor vehicle. Except as provided in subsection (9) of this section, a person who possesses a valid intermediate motor vehicle operator's license issued under KRS 186.452 or a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age may apply for an instruction permit to operate a motorcycle. A holder of either a motor vehicle or motorcycle instruction permit may also operate a moped under that permit. A person applying for an instruction permit under this section shall make application to the Transportation Cabinet. A person applying for an instruction permit shall be required to comply with the following:

(a) If the person is under the age of eighteen (18), the instruction permit application shall be signed by the applicant's parent or legal guardian. If the person does not have a living parent or does not have a legal guardian, the instruction permit application shall be signed by a person willing to assume responsibility for the applicant pursuant to KRS 186.590;

(b) If the person is under the age of eighteen (18) and in the custody of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the instruction permit application shall be signed by:

The applicant's parent, legal guardian, grandparent, adult sibling, aunt, or uncle if the parental rights have not been terminated in accordance with KRS Chapter 625;
The foster parent with whom the applicant resides;
Another person who is at least age eighteen (18) and is willing to assume responsibility for the applicant pursuant to KRS 186.590; or
The applicant, without another person, upon verification by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in accordance with KRS 605.102 that shall include proof of financial responsibility in accordance with KRS 186.590(2); and

(2) If an applicant successfully passes the examinations required by KRS 186.480, the applicant shall be issued an instruction permit upon payment of the fee set forth in KRS 186.531.

(3) (a) An instruction permit to operate a motor vehicle shall be valid for four (4) years and may be renewed. An instruction permit to operate a motorcycle shall be valid for one (1) year and may be renewed one (1) time.

(b) Except as provided in KRS 186.415, a person who has attained the age of sixteen (16) years and is under the age of eighteen (18) years shall have held an instruction permit a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days before applying for an intermediate license and shall have held an intermediate license for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days before applying for an operator's license.

(c) A person who was under eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application for an instruction permit and is eighteen (18) years of age or older shall have the instruction permit a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days and complete a driver training program under KRS 186.410(4) before applying for an operator's license.

(d) A person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age and is under the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of application for an instruction permit shall have the instruction permit a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days before applying for an operator's license.

(e) A person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of application for an instruction permit shall have the instruction permit a minimum of thirty (30) days before applying for an operator's license.

(f) In accordance with KRS 176.5062(5), a person whose motorcycle instruction permit has expired may apply to the cabinet to receive a motorcycle operator's license or endorsement if the person presents proof of successful completion of a motorcycle safety education course approved by the Transportation Cabinet under KRS 176.5061 to 176.5069.

(4) (a) A person shall have the instruction permit in his or her possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped upon the highway.

(b) When operating a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle instruction permit holder shall be accompanied by a person with a valid operator's license who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age occupying the seat beside the operator at all times.

(c) The requirements of paragraph (b) of this subsection shall not apply to a motor vehicle instruction permit holder being supervised on a multiple- vehicle driving range by a driver training instructor affiliated with a driver training school licensed under KRS Chapter 332 or a public or nonpublic secondary school.

(5) A person with an instruction permit who is under the age of eighteen (18) shall not operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped between the hours of 12 midnight and 6 a.m. unless the person can demonstrate good cause for driving, including but not limited to emergencies, involvement in school-related activities, or involvement in work-related activities.

(6) Except when accompanied by a driver training instructor affiliated with a driver training school licensed under KRS Chapter 332 or a public or nonpublic secondary school, a person with an instruction permit who is under the age of eighteen (18) years shall not operate a motor vehicle at any time when accompanied by more than one (1) unrelated person who is under the age of twenty (20) years. A peace officer shall not stop or seize a person nor issue a uniform citation for a violation of this subsection if the officer has no other cause to stop or seize the person other than a violation of this subsection. This subsection shall not apply to any operator of a vehicle registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(4) who is engaged in agricultural activities.

(7) A violation under subsection (4), (5), or (6) of this section, a conviction for a moving violation under KRS Chapter 189 for which points are assessed by the cabinet, or a conviction for a violation of KRS 189A.010(1) shall add an additional minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the violation before a person who is under the age of eighteen (18) years may apply for an intermediate license to operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped.

(8) A person under the age of eighteen (18) who accumulates more than six (6) points against his or her driving privilege may have the driving privilege suspended pursuant to KRS Chapter 186 or probated by the court.

(9) An applicant who presents evidence of successful completion of an approved rider training course under KRS 176.5062 shall not be required to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit prior to obtaining a motorcycle operator's license.

(10) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations, in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A, to establish procedures for:

(a) Minors who reside with individuals in informal guardianship arrangements to have an adult who resides with them sign the minor's application and assume responsibility in accordance with subsection (1) of this section;

(b) Individuals who have signed for responsibility under subsection (1) of this section to rescind that assumption of responsibility;

(1) of this section; and

(d) Allowing minors for whom an adult has rescinded responsibility under subsection (1) of this section, to obtain a new signature of an individual assuming responsibility without having to retake any examinations the minor has successfully passed.

Effective: March 25, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 81, sec. 1, effective March 25, 2025. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 17, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 190, sec. 10, effective June 29, 2021; and ch. 190, sec. 17, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 16, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 11, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2017; and ch. 100, sec. 18, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 16. sec. 1, effective July 12, 2012; and ch. 79, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2012. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 46, sec. 3, effective June 25, 2009. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2001 Ky. Acts ch. 43, sec. 1, effective June 21, 2001. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 2, effective March 16, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 2, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 503, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 234, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 266, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 349, sec. 5, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 3. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 4. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 3. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-39.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2006). 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec, 9, provides: "The amendments to Section 1 of this Act (this statute) shall apply to any person who obtains an original or renewal instruction permit pursuant to KRS 186.450 on or after October 1, 2006."

186.452 Intermediate license to operate a motor vehicle.

(1) Except as provided in KRS 186.415, a person who is under eighteen (18) years of age may apply for an intermediate license to operate a motor vehicle if the person has:

(a) Attained the age of sixteen (16) years;

(b) Held an instruction permit a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days without a violation under KRS 186.450(4), (5), or (6), a conviction for a violation of KRS 189.292 or 189.294, a conviction for a moving violation under KRS Chapter 189 for which points are assessed by the cabinet, or a conviction for a violation of KRS 189A.010(1); and

(c) Presented a statement to the Department of Kentucky State Police signed by a parent or guardian of the applicant attesting that the applicant has completed at least sixty (60) hours of supervised driving experience, including at least ten (10) hours at night, while accompanied by a person who has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years and holds a valid operator's license occupying the seat beside the applicant.

(2) If an applicant for an intermediate license successfully completes the examinations required under KRS 186.480, the Department of Kentucky State Police shall affix an intermediate license sticker to the instruction permit and report the applicant's new status to the Transportation Cabinet. The Transportation Cabinet shall update the information in its computer system to reflect that the applicant has been granted an intermediate license. An intermediate license shall be valid for two (2) years and may be renewed.

(3) A person shall have the intermediate license in his or her possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle.

(4) A person with an intermediate license who is under the age of eighteen (18) years shall not operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped between the hours of 12 midnight and 6 a.m. unless the person can demonstrate good cause for driving, including emergencies, involvement in school-related activities, or involvement in work-related activities.

(5) Except when accompanied by a driver training instructor affiliated with a driver training school licensed under KRS Chapter 332 or a public or nonpublic secondary school, a person with an intermediate license who is under the age of eighteen (18) years shall not operate a motor vehicle at any time when accompanied by more than one (1) unrelated person who is under the age of twenty (20) years. A peace officer shall not stop or seize a person nor issue a uniform citation for a violation of this subsection if the officer has no other cause to stop or seize the person other than a violation of this subsection. This subsection shall not apply to any operator of a vehicle registered under the provisions of KRS 186.050(4) who is engaged in agricultural activities.

(6) A violation under subsection (3), (4), or (5) of this section, a conviction for a moving violation under KRS Chapter 189 for which points are assessed by the cabinet, or a conviction for a violation of KRS 189A.010(1) shall add an additional minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the violation before a person who is under the age of eighteen (18) years may apply for an operator's license.

Effective: March 25, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 81, sec. 3, effective March 25, 2025. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 5, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 46, sec. 4, effective June 25, 2009. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 194, effective June 26, 2007. -- Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006.

186.454 Intermediate license holder application process.

(1) Except as provided in KRS 186.415, a person with an intermediate license who is under the age of eighteen (18) years may apply for an operator's license to operate a motor vehicle if the person has:

(a) Attained the age of seventeen (17) years;

(b) Held an intermediate license for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days without a conviction for a moving violation under KRS Chapter 189 for which points are assessed by the cabinet, a conviction for a violation of KRS 189.292 or 189.294, a conviction for a violation of KRS 189A.010(1), or a conviction under KRS 186.452(3), (4), or (5); and

(2) A person with an intermediate license who is eighteen (18) years of age or older may apply for an operator's license to operate a motor vehicle if the person has completed a driver training program under KRS 186.410(4).

Effective: March 25, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 81, sec. 4, effective March 25, 2025. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 46, sec. 5, effective June 25, 2009. -- Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 3, effective July 12, 2006.

186.455 Repealed, 1958.

[Repealed]

186.456 Pilot project to provide operator's license skills testing in counties where testing is not offered -- Administration by Department of Kentucky State Police -- Report.

(1) As used in this section, "state police" means the Department of Kentucky State Police.

(2) From September 1, 2024, until December 31, 2028, the state police shall operate a pilot program to provide operator's license skills testing in up to ten (10) counties in which the state police does not provide permanent, full-time, driver licensing testing.

(3) In administering the pilot project under this section, the state police shall:

(a) Identify the counties participating in the pilot project based on both public demand and available state police resources;

(b) Provide testing in each county at least one (1) time each month;

(d) Limit testing only to residents of the pilot project county where the test will be administered;

(e) Limit testing only to applicants for an intermediate license under KRS 186.452; and

(f) Evaluate service levels, unsubscribed appointments, and no-shows during the term of the pilot project and, if necessary, move the pilot project to another county identified in subsection (2) of this section, while maintaining the pilot project in up to ten (10) counties during the term of the project.

(4) The state police shall collect data on testing done under this section and, by October 31, 2025, submit a report to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation providing:

(a) Counts of the number of available testing appointments in each county, applicants served, unclaimed testing slots, and no-show appointments;

(b) Information regarding how the pilot program affected testing associated with regional licensing offices; and

Effective: April 27, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 36, effective April 27, 2026. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 23, effective June 27, 2025. -- Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 22, effective July 15, 2024.

186.460 Repealed, 1958.

[Repealed]

186.470 Application of minor -- Renewal of minor's license or permit -- Consent to release of academic information to cabinet -- Cancellation.

(1) (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection, the application of any minor under the age of eighteen (18) for an operator's license, motorcycle operator's license, intermediate license, or any instruction permit shall not be granted unless the application is signed by a parent or legal guardian of the applicant. Regardless of which parent signs the application, both parents shall be responsible as provided in KRS 186.590.

(b) The application of a minor who is under the age of eighteen (18) and in the custody of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall be signed by:

The applicant's parent, legal guardian, grandparent, adult sibling, aunt, or uncle if the parental rights have not been terminated in accordance with KRS Chapter 625;
The foster parent with whom the applicant resides;
Another person who is at least age eighteen (18) and is willing to assume responsibility for the applicant pursuant to KRS 186.590; or
The applicant, without another person, upon verification by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in accordance with KRS 605.102 that shall include proof of financial responsibility in accordance with KRS 186.590(2).

(c) If the minor does not have a father, mother, or guardian, and has not applied under paragraph (b) of this subsection, an operator's license, intermediate license, or instruction permit shall not be granted to the minor unless his or her application is signed by a person willing to assume the obligation imposed by KRS 186.590 upon a person signing the application of a minor.

(d) A signature shall not be required in the case of the renewal of a minor's license but the signature on the original application shall continue to make the parent, guardian, or other person liable under the provisions of KRS 186.590 on all renewals of the minor's license until he or she reaches the age of eighteen (18) unless the license, or any renewal thereof, is canceled as provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(2) The application shall include parental consent or the minor's consent for the receipt and release of the information as set forth in KRS 159.051 regarding the attendance and academic requirements for a minor to acquire and keep an operator's license, intermediate license, instructional permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle.

(3) (a) A parent or a guardian of a minor applicant, or a person who signed for a minor applicant under subsection (1)(b) or (c) of this section, may file with the cabinet a verified written request that the license of the minor be canceled. A minor's foster parent shall share a request made in accordance with this paragraph with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

(b) A representative of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services may file with the cabinet a verified written request that the license of a minor child in the custody of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services be canceled.

(c) Upon the filing of a request under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection, the license of the minor shall be canceled and any person who signed the application shall be relieved as to subsequent acts of the minor from the liability imposed by subsection (1) of KRS 186.590.

(4) Upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of the death of the person who signed the application of a minor for a license, the cabinet shall have the license canceled and no new license shall be issued to the minor until a new application, signed and verified, is made as required by this section.

Effective: June 29, 2017

History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 11, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 2, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 5, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 7, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 503, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 234, sec. 4, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 286, sec. 1; and ch. 386, sec. 33. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 4. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 5. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-41.

186.480 Examination of applicants by Department of Kentucky State Police --

Vision test to be administered in compliance with KRS 186.577 -- Exemptions - - Road skills test.

(1) The Department of Kentucky State Police shall examine every applicant for an operator's license as identified in KRS 186.635, except as otherwise provided in this section. The examination shall be held in the county where the applicant resides unless:

(a) The applicant is granted written permission by the Transportation Cabinet to take the examination in another county; or

(b) The applicant is tested using a bioptic telescopic device.

(2) The examination shall include a test of the applicant's eyesight to ensure compliance with the visual acuity and visual field standards set forth in KRS 186.577. The vision testing outlined in this subsection shall be administered under the provisions established in KRS 186.577 at, or prior to, the time of application. The examination shall also include a test of the applicant's ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic, the applicant's knowledge of traffic laws, and an actual demonstration of the applicant's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to an applicant who:

(a) At the time of application, holds a valid operator's license from another state, provided that state affords a reciprocal exemption to a Kentucky resident;

(b) At the time of application for a motorcycle instruction permit or motorcycle operator's license, presents evidence of successful completion of an approved rider training course under KRS 176.5062; or

(c) Is a citizen of the Commonwealth who has been serving in the United States military and has allowed his or her operator's license to expire.

(3) In addition to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, an applicant for a motorcycle operator's license who does not present evidence of successful completion of an approved rider training course under KRS 176.5062 shall be required to show his or her ability to operate a motorcycle. An applicant who successfully completes the skills portion of the test under this subsection on a:

(a) Three (3) wheeled motorcycle shall be issued a motorcycle operator's license restricted to the operation of three (3) wheeled motorcycles under KRS 186.447; or

(b) Two (2) wheeled motorcycle shall be issued a motorcycle operator's license without the restriction identified in KRS 186.447, and may operate both two

(2) and three (3) wheeled motorcycles.

(4) Any person whose intermediate license or operator's license is denied, suspended, or revoked for cause shall apply for reinstatement at the termination of the period for which the license was denied, suspended, or revoked by submitting to the examination. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any person whose license was suspended for failure to meet the conditions described in KRS 186.411 when, within one (1) year of suspension, the driving privileges of the person are reinstated.

(5) An applicant shall not use an autocycle for road skills testing administered under the provisions of this section.

(6) The Department of Kentucky State Police shall include, in the educational materials it produces for prospective drivers, information about the purposes, processes, and benefits of the organ donation program.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 12, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 17, sec. 3, effective July 1, 2024. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 2, effective July 1, 2024; and ch. 188, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 17, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 69, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2017; and ch. 100, sec. 37, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 195, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 6, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 9, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 396, sec. 5, effective January 1, 2001. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 86, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 122, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 123, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 6. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 5. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 8, effective June 13, 1968. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 6. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-33, 2739m-67.

186.490 Repealed, 2023.

[Repealed]

186.495 Repealed, 2019.

[Repealed]

186.500 Repealed, 1958.

[Repealed]

186.510 License to be in possession and to be shown on demand.

The licensee shall have his or her license in his or her immediate possession at all times when driving a motor vehicle and shall display it upon demand to a peace officer, a member of the Department of Kentucky State Police, or a field deputy or inspector of the Department of Vehicle Regulation or Transportation Cabinet or, pursuant to KRS 67A.075 or 83A.088, a safety officer who is in the process of securing information to complete an accident report. It shall be a defense to any charge under this section if the person so charged produces in court an operator's license, issued to him or her before his or her arrest and valid at the time of his or her arrest.

Effective: June 29, 2023

History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 8, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 197, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 174, effective January 2, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2), (9). -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 171. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 6. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-46.

186.520 Duplicate license.

(1) A person whose license has been legitimately lost or destroyed, shall apply to the Transportation Cabinet in order to make application for a duplicate license. The person shall furnish satisfactory proof by affidavit substantiating the loss or destruction when applying for a duplicate license.

(2) The fee for a duplicate license shall be according to the schedule set forth in KRS 186.531.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 19, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 20, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 267, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 173, sec. 1. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 1. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 6, effective March 27, 1958. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 138, sec. 1. - - Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-45.

186.530 Repealed, 1948.

[Repealed]

186.531 Fees for licenses, permits, and identification cards -- Exceptions, when fee not to be assessed for personal identification cards -- Voluntary donation to organ donor program -- Acceptance of payment methods.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "GF" means the general fund;

(b) "IP" means instruction permit;

(d) "MC" means motorcycle;

(e) "MC Fund" or "MCF" means the motorcycle safety education program fund established in KRS 176.5065;

(f) "OL" means operator's license; and

(g) "PIDC" means personal identification card.

(2) The fees imposed for voluntary travel ID operator's licenses, instruction permits, and personal identification cards shall be as follows. The fees received shall be distributed as shown in the table. The fees shown, unless otherwise noted, are for an eight (8) year period: Card Type Fee LF GF MCF OL (initial/renewal) $48 $48 $0 $0 OL (Under 21) (Up to 4 years) $18 $18 $0 $0 Any OL, MC, or combination (duplicate/corrected) $15 $13.25 $1.75 $0 Motor vehicle IP (3 years) $18 $16 $2 $0 Motorcycle IP (1 year) $18 $13 $1 $4 Motorcycle OL (initial/renewal) $48 $38 $0 $10 Combination vehicle/MC OL (initial/renewal) $58 $48 $0 $10 PIDC (initial/renewal) $28 $25 $3 $0 PIDC (duplicate/corrected) $15 $13.50 $1.50 $0

(3) Except as provided in subsection (10) of this section, the fees imposed for standard operator's licenses, instruction permits, and personal identification cards shall be as follows and, unless otherwise noted, are for an eight (8) year period: Card Type Fee LF GF MCF OL (initial/renewal) $43 $43 $0 $0 OL (Under 21) (Up to 4 years) $15 $15 $0 $0 Any OL, MC, or combination (duplicate/corrected) $15 $13.25 $1.75 $0 Motor vehicle IP (3 years) $15 $13 $2 $0 Motorcycle IP (1 year) $15 $10 $1 $4 Motorcycle OL (initial/renewal) $43 $33 $0 $10 Combination vehicle/MC OL (initial/renewal) $53 $43 $0 $10 PIDC (initial/renewal) $23 $20 $3 $0 PIDC (duplicate/corrected) $15 $13.50 $1.50 $0 PIDC (no fixed address) under KRS 186.4122(5)/186.4123(5) (initial, duplicate, or corrected) $0 $0 $0 $0

(4) The fee for a four (4) year original or renewal license issued pursuant to KRS 186.4101 shall be fifty percent (50%) of the amount shown in subsections (2) and

(3) of this section. The distribution of fees shown in subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall also be reduced by fifty percent (50%) for licenses that are issued for four (4) years.

(5) Any fee for any identity document applied for using alternative technology under KRS 186.410 and 186.4122 shall be distributed in the same manner as a document applied for in person with the cabinet.

(6) (a) An applicant for an original or renewal operator's license, permit, commercial driver's license, motorcycle operator's license, or personal identification card shall be requested by the cabinet to make a donation to promote an organ donor program.

(b) The donation under this subsection shall be added to the regular fee for an original or renewal motor vehicle operator's license, permit, commercial driver's license, motorcycle operator's license, or personal identification card. One (1) donation may be made per issuance or renewal of a license or any combination thereof.

(c) The fee shall be paid to the cabinet and shall be forwarded by the cabinet on a monthly basis to the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust for Life, and such moneys are hereby appropriated to be used exclusively for the purpose of promoting an organ donor program. A donation under this subsection shall be voluntary and may be refused by the applicant at the time of issuance or renewal.

(7) In addition to the fees outlined in this section, the following individuals, upon application for an initial or renewal operator's license, instruction permit, or personal identification card, shall pay an additional application fee of thirty dollars ($30), which shall be deposited in the photo license account:

(a) An applicant who is not a United States citizen or permanent resident and who applies under KRS 186.4121 or 186.4123; or

(b) An applicant who is applying for a instruction permit, operator's license, or personal identification card without a photo under KRS 186.4102(9).

(8) (a) Except for individuals exempted under paragraph (c) of this subsection, an applicant for relicensing after revocation or suspension shall pay a reinstatement fee of forty dollars ($40).

(b) The reinstatement fee under this subsection shall be distributed by the State Treasurer as follows:

Thirty-five dollars ($35) shall be deposited into the photo license account; and
Five dollars ($5) shall be deposited into a trust and agency fund to be used in defraying the costs and expenses of administering a driver improvement program for problem drivers.

Any person whose license was suspended for failure to meet the conditions set out in KRS 186.411 when, within one (1) year of suspension, the driving privileges of the individual are reinstated; or
A student who has had his or her license revoked pursuant to KRS 159.051.

(9) As payment for any fee identified in this section, the cabinet:

(a) Shall accept cash and personal checks;

(b) May accept other methods of payment in accordance with KRS 45.345; and

(c) May enter into billing agreements with homeless shelters, health care facilities, or social service agencies that serve individuals without an established and fixed nighttime residence of regular return.

(10) There shall be no fee assessed for the initial, renewal, or duplicate standard personal identification card to an individual, if the individual:

(a) Does not possess a valid operator's license or a commercial driver's license; and

(b) Is at least eighteen (18) years of age on or before the next regular election.

Effective: August 1, 2024

History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 166, sec. 21, effective August 1, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 8, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2023; and ch. 185, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 190, sec. 11, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 20, effective March 27, 2020; and ch. 89, sec. 32, effective July 15, 2020. -- Repealed and reenacted 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 21, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 79, sec. 1, effective June 8, 2011. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 55, sec. 2, effective June 20, 2005; ch. 122, sec. 10, effective July 1, 2005; and ch. 173, Pt. XV, sec. 1, effective July 1, 2005. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 96, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 367, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 267, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 274, sec. 12, effective April 7, 1992; and ch. 277, sec. 8, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 165, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 142, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 389, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980; and ch. 188, sec. 239, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 244, sec. 1. -- Amended 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 21, sec. 20, effective January 2, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 2. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 8. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 6, effective June 13, 1968; and ch. 169, sec. 1, effective June 13, 1968. -- Created 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 8.

186.5315 Repealed, 2019.

[Repealed]

186.535 Earmark of funds from operator's license and motorcycle registration fees.

(1) From the portion of the fee for each eight (8) year original or renewal operator's license which is assigned to the photo license account under KRS 186.531, two dollars ($2) shall be credited to a special account within the road fund, and shall be used exclusively by the Transportation Cabinet for the purpose of expanding the state driver education program, and two dollars ($2) shall be paid to the fiscal court of the county where the driver's license is issued to be used by the fiscal court for county road purposes. The distribution of fees under this subsection shall be reduced by fifty percent (50%) for licenses issued for a four (4) year term in accordance with KRS 186.4101.

(2) From the fee for each annual registration of a motorcycle pursuant to KRS 186.050, four dollars ($4) shall be credited to the motorcycle safety education program fund pursuant to KRS 176.5065 and shall be used exclusively for the purposes outlined in KRS 176.5061 to 176.5069.

Effective: June 29, 2021

History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 190, sec. 12, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 21, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 25, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 61, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 267, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 277, sec. 9, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1980. -- Created 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 2.

186.540 Application for corrected license or identification card upon change of address or name -- No charge for corrected identity document if street name or postal address changed or if document contains error.

(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, when any person, after applying for or receiving an operator's license or personal identification card, moves from the address named in the application or on the identity document issued to the person, or when the name of a identity document holder is changed, by marriage or otherwise, the person shall within ten (10) days after the change apply to the Transportation Cabinet for the issuance of a corrected license. The fee for a corrected license shall be as set forth in KRS 186.531.

(2) If an identity document holder's street name or postal address is changed and the person has not moved to a new residence, the person shall apply to the cabinet for a corrected identity document, which shall be issued free of charge.

(3) If a person receives an identity document that contains an error, the person shall apply to the cabinet for a corrected identity document, which shall be issued free of charge.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 22, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 26, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 235, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 393, sec. 10, effective January 1, 1995. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-68.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). In Attorney General Opinion 94-42, it was concluded that 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 393, which amended this statute "will take effect on January 1, 1995, the date the National Voter Registration Act will take effect with respect to Kentucky."

186.550 Courts to report convictions and send licenses to cabinet -- Exception for offenses committed under KRS Chapter 189A.

(1) Except for offenses committed under KRS Chapter 189A, the clerk of any court having jurisdiction over offenses committed under motor vehicle laws shall report upon a form furnished by the cabinet the conviction, pleas or forfeiture of bond arising under motor vehicle laws, to the cabinet within fifteen (15) days.

(2) The court shall take up the motor vehicle operator's license certificate of a person convicted of any of the offenses for which mandatory revocation is provided by KRS 186.560 and have it immediately forwarded to the cabinet with the report covering the conviction.

Effective: July 1, 2020

History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 103, sec. 23, effective July 1, 2020. -- Amended 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 175, effective January 2, 1978. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-48.

186.560 Mandatory revocation or denial of license -- Causes -- Period of revocation or denial -- Prohibition against reductions of certain revocations or denials -- Limited exception relating to enrollment in alcohol or substance abuse education or treatment programs.

(1) The cabinet shall forthwith revoke the license of any operator of a motor vehicle upon receiving record of his or her:

(a) Conviction of any of the following offenses:

Murder or manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;
Driving a vehicle which is not a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance which may impair one's driving ability;
Perjury or the making of a false affidavit under KRS 186.400 to 186.640 or any law requiring the registration of motor vehicles or regulating their operation on highways;
Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;
Conviction or forfeiture of bail upon three (3) charges of reckless driving within the preceding twelve (12) months;
Conviction of driving a motor vehicle involved in an accident and failing to stop and disclose his identity at the scene of the accident;
Conviction of theft of a motor vehicle or any of its parts, including the conviction of any person under the age of eighteen (18) years;
Failure to have in full force and effect the security required by Subtitle 39 of KRS Chapter 304 upon conviction of a second and each subsequent offense within any five (5) year period;
Conviction for fraudulent use of a driver's license or use of a fraudulent driver's license to purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages, as defined in KRS 241.010, in violation of KRS 244.085(4);
Conviction of operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped without an operator's license as required by KRS 186.410;
Conviction of fleeing or evading police in the second degree when the offense involved the operation of a motor vehicle; and
Conviction of violating the provisions of KRS 189.290(3) or (4); or

(b) Being found incompetent to stand trial under KRS Chapter 504.

(2) If the person convicted of any offense named in subsection (1) of this section or who is found incompetent to stand trial is not the holder of a license, the cabinet shall deny the person so convicted a license for the same period of time as though he or she had possessed a license which had been revoked. If through an inadvertence the defendant should be issued a license, the cabinet shall forthwith cancel it.

(3) The cabinet, upon receiving a record of the conviction of any person upon a charge of operating a motor vehicle while the license of that person is denied, or suspended, or revoked, or while his privilege to operate a motor vehicle is withdrawn, shall immediately extend the period of the first denial, suspension, revocation, or withdrawal for an additional like period.

(4) The revocation or denial of a license or the withdrawal of the privilege of operating a motor vehicle for a violation of subsection (1)(a)1. of this section shall be for a period of not less than five (5) years. Revocations or denials under this section shall not be subject to any lessening of penalties authorized under any other provision of this section or any other statute.

(5) Except as provided in subsections (3), (4), (8), and (9) of this section, in all other cases, the revocation or denial of a license or the withdrawal of the privilege of operating a motor vehicle under this section shall be for a period of six (6) months, except that if the same person has had one (1) previous conviction of any offense enumerated in subsection (1) of this section, regardless of whether the person's license was revoked because of the previous conviction, the period of the revocation, denial, or withdrawal shall be one (1) year. If the person has had more than one (1) previous conviction of the offenses considered collectively as enumerated in subsection (1) of this section, regardless of whether the person's license was revoked for any previous conviction, the period of revocation, denial, or withdrawal shall be for not less than two (2) years. If the cabinet, upon receipt of the written recommendation of the court in which any person has been convicted of violating KRS 189.520(1) or 244.085(4) as relates to instances in which a driver's license or fraudulent driver's license was the identification used or attempted to be used in the commission of the offense, who has had no previous conviction of said offense, the person's operator's license shall not be revoked, but the person's operator's license shall be restricted to any terms and conditions the secretary in his discretion may require, provided the person has enrolled in an alcohol or substance abuse education or treatment program as the cabinet shall require. If the person fails to satisfactorily complete the education or treatment program or violates the restrictions on his operator's license, the cabinet shall immediately revoke his operator's license for a period of six (6) months.

(6) In order to secure the reinstatement of a license to operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle restored following a period of suspension pursuant to KRS Chapter 189A, the person whose license is suspended shall comply with the fees and other procedures of the Transportation Cabinet with regard to the reinstatement of suspended licenses.

(7) The cabinet shall revoke the license of any operator of a motor vehicle upon receiving notification that the person is under age eighteen (18) and has dropped out of school or is academically deficient, as defined in KRS 159.051(1).

(8) A person under the age of eighteen (18) who is convicted of the offenses of subsections (1) or (3) of this section, except for subsection (1)(a)8. or 9. of this section, shall have his license revoked until he or she reaches the age of eighteen

(18) or shall have his license revoked as provided in this section, whichever penalty will result in the longer period of revocation.

(9) A revocation or denial of a license or the withdrawal of the privilege of operating a motor vehicle under this section due to a person being found incompetent to stand trial shall extend until the person is found competent to stand trial or the criminal case is dismissed.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 21, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 97, sec. 3, effective July 1, 2020. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 103, sec. 24, effective July 1, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 117, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 16, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 235, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 467, secs. 26 and 29, effective October 1, 2000. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 8, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1991 (1st Extra. Sess.) Acts Ch. 15, Sec. 20, effective July 1, 1991. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 234, sec. 5, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 376, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986; ch. 434, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 443, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 3, effective January 1, 1985; and ch. 165, sec. 15, effective July 13, 1985. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 103, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 217, sec. 1. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 17, sec. 1. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 7. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m- 49.

Legislative Research Commission Note (6/25/2013). In codifying 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 16, sec. 1, (this statute), a reference in subsection (8) to "subsection (1)(a)8. or 8. of this section" has been changed to "subsection (1)(a)8. or 9. of this section." The internal numbering of subsection (1) of this statute was modified by that Act, but the reference in subsection (8) of this statute was incorrectly modified to conform with that renumbering. The Reviser of Statutes has corrected this manifest clerical or typographical error under the authority of KRS 7.136(1)(h).

186.565 Repealed, 1991.

[Repealed]

186.570 Denial or suspension of license -- Informal hearing -- Appeal -- Surrender of certificate -- Medical review board -- Prohibition against raising insurance on basis of denial or suspension for child support arrearage.

(1) The cabinet or its agent designated in writing for that purpose may deny any person an operator's license or may suspend the operator's license of any person, or, in the case of a nonresident, withdraw the privilege of operating a motor vehicle in this state, subject to a hearing and with or without receiving a record of conviction of that person of a crime, if the cabinet has reason to believe that:

(a) That person has committed any offenses for the conviction of which mandatory revocation of a license is provided by KRS 186.560;

(b) That person has, by reckless or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused, or contributed to an accident resulting in death or injury or serious property damage;

(c) That person has a mental or physical disability that makes it unsafe for him or her to drive upon the highways. The medical review board established in KRS 186.444 shall provide technical assistance in the review of the driving ability of these persons;

(d) That person is a habitually reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle or has committed a serious violation of the motor vehicle laws;

(e) That person has been issued a license without making proper application for it, as provided in KRS 186.412 or 186.4121 and administrative regulations promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A;

(f) That person has presented false or misleading information as to the person's residency, citizenship, religious convictions, or immigration status;

(g) A person required by KRS 186.480 to take an examination has been issued a license without first having passed the examination;

(h) That person has been convicted of assault and battery resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;

(i) That person has failed to appear pursuant to a citation or summons issued by a law enforcement officer of this Commonwealth or any other jurisdiction;

(j) That person has failed to appear pursuant to an order by the court to produce proof of security required by KRS 304.39-010 and a receipt showing that a premium for a minimum policy period of six (6) months has been paid; or

(k) That person is a habitual violator of KRS 304.39-080. For purposes of this section, a "habitual violator" means any person who has operated a motor vehicle without security on the motor vehicle as required by Subtitle 39 of KRS Chapter 304 three (3) or more times within a five (5) year period, in violation of KRS 304.99-060(2).

(2) The cabinet shall deny any person a license or shall suspend the license of an operator of a motor vehicle upon receiving written notification from the Office of the Attorney General that the person has a child support arrearage which equals or exceeds the cumulative amount which would be owed after six (6) months of nonpayment or failure, after receiving appropriate notice, to comply with a subpoena or warrant relating to paternity or child support proceedings, as provided by 42 U.S.C. sec. 651 et seq. The denial or suspension shall continue until the arrearage has been eliminated, payments on the child support arrearage are being made in accordance with a court or administrative order, or the person complies with the subpoena or warrant relating to paternity or child support. Before the license may be reinstated, proof of elimination of the child support arrearage or proof of compliance with the subpoena or warrant relating to paternity or child support proceedings as provided by 42 U.S.C. sec. 666(a)(16) from the court where the action is pending or the Office of the Attorney General shall be received by the Transportation Cabinet as prescribed by administrative regulations promulgated by the Office of the Attorney General and the Transportation Cabinet.

(3) The cabinet or its agent designated in writing for that purpose shall deny any person an operator's license or shall suspend the operator's license of any person, or, in the case of a nonresident, withdraw the privilege of operating a motor vehicle in this state where the person has been declared ineligible to operate a motor vehicle under KRS 532.356 for the duration of the ineligibility, upon notification of the court's judgment.

(4) The cabinet or its agent designated in writing for that purpose shall provide any person subject to the suspension, revocation, or withdrawal of his or her driving privileges, under provisions of this section, an informal hearing. Upon determining that the action is warranted, the cabinet shall notify the person in writing by mailing the notice to the person by first-class mail to the last known address of the person. The hearing shall be automatically waived if not requested within twenty (20) days after the cabinet mails the notice. The hearing shall be scheduled as early as practical within twenty (20) days after receipt of the request at a time and place designated by the cabinet. An aggrieved party may appeal a decision rendered as a result of an informal hearing, and upon appeal an administrative hearing shall be conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.

(5) (a) The cabinet may suspend the operator's license of any resident upon receiving notice of the conviction of that person in another state of an offense there which, if committed in this state, would be grounds for the suspension or revocation of an operator's license. The cabinet shall not suspend an operator's license under this paragraph if:

The conviction causing the suspension or revocation is more than five

(5) years old;

The conviction is for a traffic offense other than a felony traffic offense or a habitual violator offense; and
The license holder complies with the provisions of KRS 186.442.

(b) If, at the time of application for an initial Kentucky operator's license, a person's license is suspended or revoked in another state for a conviction that is less than five (5) years old, the cabinet shall deny the person a license until the person resolves the matter in the other state and complies with the provisions of this chapter.

(c) The cabinet may, upon receiving a record of the conviction in this state of a nonresident driver of a motor vehicle of any offense under the motor vehicle laws, forward a notice of that person's conviction to the proper officer in the state of which the convicted person is a resident.

(d) This subsection shall not apply to a commercial driver's license.

(6) The Transportation Cabinet is forbidden from suspending or revoking an operator's license or assessing points or any other form of penalty against the license holder for speeding violations or speeding convictions from other states. This subsection shall apply only to speeding violations. This section shall not apply to a person who holds or is required to hold a commercial driver's license.

(7) Each operator's license which has been canceled, suspended, or revoked shall be surrendered to and destroyed by the cabinet. At the end of the period of cancellation, suspension, or revocation, the license holder may reapply under KRS 186.412 or 186.4121, after the licensee has complied with all requirements for the issuance or reinstatement of his or her driving privilege.

(8) Insurance companies issuing motor vehicle policies in the Commonwealth shall be prohibited from raising a policyholder's rates solely because the policyholder's driving privilege has been suspended or denied pursuant to subsection (2) of this section.

Effective: July 1, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 6, effective July 1, 2025; and ch. 72, sec. 2, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 27, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 119, sec. 4, effective July 1, 2013. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 21, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 145, effective June 20, 2005; ch 152, sec. 3, effective June 20, 2005; and ch. 165, sec. 3, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 189, sec. 3, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 2001 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 1, effective June 21, 2001. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998; ch. 426, sec. 123, effective July 15, 1998; ch. 442, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1998; and ch. 565, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 72, effective July 15, 1996; and ch. 341, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 381, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 416, sec 8, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 136, sec. 2, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 455, sec. 30, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 287, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(7). -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 1. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 152, sec. 121. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 8. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-50.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/1/2025). This statute was amended by 2025 Ky. Acts chs. 59 and 72, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). This section was amended by 1994 Ky. Acts chs. 381 and 416. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists, Acts ch. 416, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250.

186.572 Assessment of penalty points for speeding on limited access highway.

Conviction for any one (1) of the following moving hazardous violations on a limited access highway or a limited access highway of four (4) or more lanes in Kentucky on which the speed limit is sixty-five (65) mph or higher shall be cause for assessment of the penalty points indicated: Speeding 10 mph or less over the limit ......................................................... 0 points.

Effective: July 15, 1988

History: Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 177, sec. 4, effective July 5, 1988. -- Created 1987 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 7.

186.574 State traffic school for new drivers and for traffic offenders -- Fees -- Fee in lieu of court costs -- Procedures -- County attorney-operated traffic safety program.

(1) The Transportation Cabinet shall establish a state traffic school for new drivers and for traffic offenders. The school shall be composed of uniform education and training elements designed to create a lasting influence on new drivers and a corrective influence on traffic offenders. District Courts may in lieu of assessing penalties for traffic offenses, other than for KRS 189A.010, sentence offenders to state traffic school and no other.

(2) If a District Court stipulates in its judgment of conviction that a person attend state traffic school, the court shall indicate this in the space provided on the abstract of conviction filed with the Transportation Cabinet. Upon receipt of an abstract, the Transportation Cabinet, or its representative, shall schedule the person to attend state traffic school. Failure of the person to attend and satisfactorily complete state traffic school in compliance with the court order, may be punished as contempt of the sentencing court. The Transportation Cabinet shall not assess points against a person who satisfactorily completes state traffic school. However, if the person referred to state traffic school holds or is required to hold a commercial driver's license, the underlying offense shall appear on the person's driving history record.

(3) The Transportation Cabinet shall supervise, operate, and administer state traffic school, and shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A governing facilities, equipment, courses of instruction, instructors, and records of the program. In the event a person sentenced under subsection (1) of this section does not attend or satisfactorily complete state traffic school, the Transportation Cabinet may deny that person a license or suspend the license of that person until he reschedules attendance or completes state traffic school, at which time a denial or suspension shall be rescinded.

(4) Persons participating in the state traffic school as provided in this section shall pay a fee of fifteen dollars ($15) to defray the cost of operating the school, except that if enrollment in state traffic school is to satisfy the requirement of KRS 186.410(4)(c), a fee shall not be assessed. Any funds collected pursuant to KRS 186.535(1) that are dedicated to the photo license account for use in the state driver education program may be used for the purposes of state traffic school.

(5) The following procedures shall govern persons attending state traffic school pursuant to this section:

(a) A person convicted of any violation of traffic codes set forth in KRS Chapters 177, 186, or 189, and who is otherwise eligible, may in the sole discretion of the trial judge, be sentenced to attend state traffic school. Upon payment of the fee required by subsection (4) of this section, and upon successful completion of state traffic school, the sentence to state traffic school shall be the person's penalty in lieu of any other penalty, except for the payment of court costs;

(b) Except as provided in KRS 189.990(28), a person shall not be eligible to attend state traffic school who has been cited for a violation of KRS Chapters 177, 186, or 189 that has a penalty of mandatory revocation or suspension of an offender's driver's license;

(c) Except as provided in KRS 189.990(28), a person shall not be eligible to attend state traffic school for any violation if, at the time of the violation, the person did not have a valid driver's license or the person's driver's license was suspended or revoked by the cabinet;

(d) Except as provided in KRS 189.990(28), a person shall not be eligible to attend state traffic school more than once in any one (1) year period, unless the person wants to attend state traffic school to comply with the driver education requirements of KRS 186.410; and

(e) The cabinet shall notify the sentencing court regarding any person who was sentenced to attend state traffic school who was ineligible to attend state traffic school. A court notified by the cabinet pursuant to this paragraph shall return the person's case to an active calendar for a hearing on the matter. The court shall issue a summons for the person to appear and the person shall demonstrate to the court why an alternative sentence should not be imposed.

(6) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, a county attorney may operate a traffic safety program for traffic offenders prior to the adjudication of the offense.

(b) Offenders alleged to have violated KRS 189A.010 or 304.39-080, offenders holding a commercial driver's license under KRS Chapter 281A, or offenders coming within the provisions of subsection (5)(b) or (c) of this section shall be excluded from participation in a county attorney-operated program.

May charge a reasonable fee to program participants, which shall only be used for payment of county attorney office operating expenses; and
Shall, by October 1 of each year, report to the Prosecutors Advisory Council the fee charged for the county attorney-operated traffic safety program and the total number of traffic offenders diverted into the county attorney-operated traffic safety program for the preceding fiscal year categorized by traffic offense.

(d) Each participant in a county attorney-operated traffic safety program shall, in addition to the fee payable to the county attorney, pay a twenty-five dollar ($25) fee to the court clerk, which shall be paid into a trust and agency account with the Administrative Office of the Courts and is to be used by the circuit clerks to hire additional deputy clerks and to enhance deputy clerk salaries.

(e) Each participant in a county attorney-operated traffic safety program shall, in addition to the fee payable to the county attorney and the fee required by paragraph (d) of this subsection, pay a thirty dollar ($30) fee to the county attorney in lieu of court costs. On a monthly basis, the county attorney shall forward the fees collected pursuant to this paragraph to the Finance and Administration Cabinet to be distributed as follows:

Ten and eight-tenths percent (10.8%) to the spinal cord and head injury research trust fund created in KRS 211.504;
Nine and one-tenth percent (9.1%) to the traumatic brain injury trust fund created in KRS 211.476;
Five and eight-tenths percent (5.8%) to the special trust and agency account set forth in KRS 42.320(2)(f) for the Department of Public Advocacy;
Five and seven-tenths percent (5.7%) to the crime victims compensation fund created in KRS 49.480;
One and two-tenths percent (1.2%) to the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to defray the costs of conducting record checks on prospective firearms purchasers pursuant to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and for the collection, testing, and storing of DNA samples;
Sixteen and eight-tenths percent (16.8%) to the county sheriff in the county from which the fee was received;
Nine and one-tenth percent (9.1%) to the county treasurer in the county from which the fee was received to be used by the fiscal court for the purposes of defraying the costs of operation of the county jail and the transportation of prisoners;
Thirty-three and two-tenths percent (33.2%) to local governments in accordance with the formula set forth in KRS 24A.176(5); and
Eight and three-tenths percent (8.3%) to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the implementation and operation of a telephonic behavioral health jail triage system as provided in KRS 210.365 and 441.048.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 23, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 74, sec. 92, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2015. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 71, sec. 8, effective July 15, 2014. -- Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 107, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2012. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 108, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 165, sec. 4, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 183, sec. 15, effective August 1, 2002. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 232, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 9, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 165, sec. 17, effective July 13, 1984; and ch. 258, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Created 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 248, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980.

186.575 Repealed, 1956.

[Repealed]

186.576 Definitions for KRS 186.576 to 186.579.

As used in KRS 186.576 to 186.579:

(1) "Applicant" means any person applying for an instruction permit or an operator's license who must use a bioptic telescopic device in order to operate a motor vehicle;

(2) "Binocular vision" means visual acuity that is 20/200 or better in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses;

(3) "Bioptic telescopic device" means a two (2) focus optical system used to magnify distant objects by including a small telescope that is mounted in a spectacle lens in a manner to allow an unobstructed view of the horizontal visual field through a person's normal distance corrective lens;

(4) "Certified driver training program" means a program that provides and coordinates comprehensive assessment and training of driving skills and responses that emphasizes the vision, hearing, psychological, perceptual, orientation, and mobility skills of an applicant and that is certified by the department;

(5) "Combined visual acuity" means visual acuity attained by using both eyes together where a person has binocular vision;

(6) "Corrective lenses" means eyeglasses, contact lenses, and intraocular lenses, but does not mean a bioptic telescopic device;

(7) "Daytime driving restriction" means operation of a motor vehicle is restricted to the period of time from between thirty (30) minutes after sunrise and thirty (30) minutes before sunset. Under this restriction, driving during adverse weather conditions that significantly reduce the visibility of the roadway, other traffic, and traffic control devices shall be prohibited;

(8) "Office" means the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation;

(9) "Monocular vision" means visual acuity that is 20/200 or better in only one (1) eye, with or without corrective lenses;

(10) "Restricted out-of-state driver" means a person who has been issued, by another state, a valid operator's license with a restriction requiring the use of a bioptic telescopic device;

(11) "Vision specialist" means a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist;

(12) "Visual acuity" means the measure of a person's visual acuity based on the Snellen visual acuity scale; and

(13) "Visual field" means the area of physical space visible to the eye in a given fixed position.

Effective: June 27, 2019

History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 146, sec. 52, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 211, sec. 116, effective July 12, 2006. -- Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 396, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2001.

186.577 Testing applicants for initial operator's license or initial instruction permit -- Restrictions or driving privileges based on visual acuity test -- Testing not required for license renewal -- Certain drivers restricted to use of bioptic telescopic devices -- Administrative regulations -- Fees to cover costs of testing -- Deposit of fees in photo license account.

(1) The following persons shall submit to a test of visual acuity and visual field at the time of application or renewal:

(a) All persons applying for an initial or renewal operator's license;

(b) All persons applying for an initial or renewal instruction permit; and

(2) Vision testing under this section shall be administered to any person:

(a) Applying for an initial operator's license, an initial instruction permit, or reinstatement of a license when vision must be tested as required in KRS 186.480:

Prior to the time of application under subsection (5) of this section; or
By the Department of Kentucky State Police at the time of application;

(b) Applying for operator's license renewal or instruction permit renewal:

Prior to the time of application under subsection (5) of this section; or
By the Transportation Cabinet at the time of application; or

(c) Identified in Kentucky administrative regulations promulgated by the Transportation Cabinet or the Department of Kentucky State Police as being required to undergo the exam required by KRS 186.480.

(3) (a) Persons whose visual acuity is 20/40 or better and who meet or exceed the visual field standard established by the Transportation Cabinet without corrective lenses shall not have a restriction placed on their driving privileges.

(b) Persons whose visual acuity is 20/40 or better and who meet or exceed the visual field standard established by the Transportation Cabinet with corrective lenses shall have their driving privileges restricted to mandate the use of the corrective lenses.

(c) If a person fails to meet a 20/40 visual acuity standard or the visual field standard established by the cabinet, the person shall be referred to a vision specialist for examination.

(4) A person referred to a vision specialist under subsection (3) of this section whose visual acuity is 20/60 or better and who meets or exceeds the visual field standard established by the cabinet shall be eligible to test for an instruction permit or operator's license, or shall be eligible for operator's license renewal. If corrective lenses were prescribed by the vision specialist, the person's driving privileges shall be restricted to mandate the use of the corrective lenses.

(5) Vision tests administered under subsection (2)(a) of this section shall be deemed to meet the testing provisions outlined in subsection (3) or (4) of this section, if the person submits a driver vision testing form that complies with the provisions of subsection (6) of this section and the form has been completed by:

(a) A vision specialist; or

(b) An osteopath, physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse who is credentialed by the cabinet to perform vision testing under this section.

(6) All driver vision testing forms completed under subsection (5) of this section shall:

(a) Attest that the applicant meets or exceeds the visual acuity standard and visual field standard established by the cabinet;

(b) Only be valid if the vision specialist or the credentialed osteopath, credentialed physician, credentialed physician assistant, or credentialed advanced practice registered nurse signed and completed the vision testing form less than twelve (12) months prior to the date of application or renewal;

(c) State whether the driving privileges of the applicant shall be restricted to mandate the use of corrective lenses; and

(d) Clearly indicate that the vision testing under this section is a screening for minimum vision standards established in this section and is not a complete eye examination.

(7) Any person seeking application or permit under subsection (1) of this section shall attest that he or she has submitted to and passed the visual acuity and visual field tests required under this section.

(8) Any person renewing an operator's license under KRS 186.416 shall be exempt from the vision testing requirements outlined in this section.

(9) Persons who meet the requirements of KRS 186.578 and are issued operator's licenses under KRS 186.579 shall:

(a) Have their driving privileges restricted to the use of a bioptic telescopic device; and

(b) Be exempt from this section.

(10) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this section, including but not limited to establishing visual field standards, the creation of a driver vision testing form, and establishing a credentialing process for osteopaths, physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses to conduct vision testing under this section.

(11) The Transportation Cabinet may promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to:

(a) Implement a system for electronic transmission of driver vision testing forms and accompanying documentation; and

(b) Assess a fee to an applicant to cover the administrative costs of performing on-site vision testing. Any funds received from this fee shall be deposited into the photo license account established in KRS 174.056.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 94, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 1, effective July 1, 2024. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 198, effective June 26, 2007. -- Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 396, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2001.

186.578 Visual acuity requirements for certified driver training program -- Testing of knowledge of motor vehicle laws -- Daytime and nighttime operator's license examinations -- Out-of-state drivers establishing residence in Kentucky -- Restriction on taking of operator's license examination after three failings -- Consequence of failure to pass examination.

(1) Applicants accepted to participate in a certified driver training program shall meet the following minimum vision requirements:

(a) A distance visual acuity of 20/200 or better, with corrective lenses, in the applicant's better eye;

(b) A visual field of at least one hundred twenty (120) degrees horizontally and eighty (80) degrees vertically in the same eye as used in paragraph (a) of this subsection;

(d) No ocular diagnosis or prognosis that indicates a likelihood that significant deterioration of visual acuity or visual field to levels below the minimum standards outlined in this subsection will occur.

(2) Upon acceptance into a certified driver training program, an applicant shall be given an examination to test his or her knowledge of the motor vehicle laws of the Commonwealth. This examination may be taken orally. Upon successful completion of this examination, the applicant shall be issued a temporary instruction permit, that shall be valid only when the applicant is accompanied by an employee of a certified driver training program. Temporary instruction permits issued under this section shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issue.

(3) An applicant who successfully completes a certified driver training program shall be reexamined by a vision specialist upon completion of the program. The examination shall certify that the applicant continues to meet the visual acuity and visual field standards set forth in subsection (1) of this section.

(4) (a) An applicant who successfully completes a certified driving training program and passes the visual reexamination required by subsection (3) of this section shall be eligible to take a comprehensive operator's license examination administered by the Department of Kentucky State Police.

(b) The operator's license examination shall include testing of the applicant's driving skills over a route specifically designed to test the applicant's competency using a bioptic telescopic device.

(c) If the applicant is a new driver, the applicant shall take a daytime and nighttime operator's license examination, which may be given on the same day.

(d) If the applicant is a currently licensed driver, the applicant may take either a daytime or a nighttime operator's license examination, but if the applicant chooses a daytime operator's license examination, any license granted shall be subject to a daytime restriction.

(5) (a) An applicant who is a restricted out-of-state driver establishing residence in Kentucky shall be required to take and pass a knowledge examination before being eligible to take the operator's license examination.

(b) An applicant who is a restricted out-of-state driver establishing residence in Kentucky shall not be required to complete a certified driver training program but shall be required to take and pass the visual examination outlined in subsection (3) of this section before taking the operator's license examination.

(c) If an applicant moving to Kentucky from another state possesses a valid bioptic operator's license from the applicant's previous state:

Without a daytime-only restriction, the applicant may take a daytime operator's license examination, and upon passage of the examination, be granted a license without a daytime-only restriction;
With a daytime-only restriction and wishes to have it removed, the applicant shall take a nighttime operator's license examination, and upon passage of the examination, be granted a license without a daytime-only restriction; or
With a daytime-only restriction and does not wish to have it removed, the applicant shall take a daytime operator's license examination, and upon passage of the examination, be granted a license with a daytime- only restriction.

(6) If an applicant or restricted out-of-state driver fails the operator's license examination three (3) times, he or she shall not be eligible to retake the examination until successfully completing additional training from a certified driver training program and obtaining an affidavit from the program director or bioptic driving instructor recommending that the applicant or restricted out-of-state driver be allowed to retake the examination.

(7) The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Education and Labor Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to set standards for a certified driver training program and to otherwise carry out the provisions of this section.

Effective: July 14, 2022

History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2022; and ch. 236, sec. 92, effective July 1, 2022. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 146, sec. 53, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2014. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 199, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 211, sec. 117, effective July 12, 2006. -- Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 396, sec. 3, effective January 1, 2001.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/14/2022). This statute was amended by 2022 Ky. Acts chs. 116 and 236, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

186.579 Restricted operator's license requiring daytime driving, use of bioptic telescopic device, and vehicle with left and right outside mirrors -- Removal of restrictions -- Annual submission of comprehensive visual examination -- Suspension of license.

(1) The Transportation Cabinet shall issue, to an applicant who successfully passes the operator's license examination outlined in KRS 186.578(4), an operator's license with the following restrictions:

(a) Required use of a bioptic telescopic device;

(b) Restricted to daytime driving upon the recommendation of a vision specialist or upon failure of a nighttime examination administered under KRS 186.578; and

(2) A restriction to daytime driving in accordance with subsection (1) of this section shall be removed if the applicant or licensed driver:

(a) Obtains a recommendation from a vision specialist;

(b) Successfully completes an evaluation by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's bioptic driving program and training specifically designed for night driving from a certified driver training program; and

(3) (a) Subject to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this subsection, an operator's license issued under KRS 186.578 and 186.579 shall be valid for four (4) years or (8) years at the discretion of the applicant as outlined in KRS 186.4101.

(b) The holder of a license issued in accordance with this section and KRS 186.578 shall submit the results of a comprehensive visual examination to Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation each year before the last day of the birth month of the license holder. An operator's license shall be subject to suspension if the license holder does not submit results of the comprehensive visual examination required under this paragraph.

(b) of this subsection certifies that the conditions causing the visual impairment are stable, then the license shall remain valid. If the conditions causing the visual impairment are unstable or deteriorating, the license holder may be required to undergo additional testing as required by the department and may have his or her operator's license suspended if he or she cannot successfully pass the tests.

Effective: July 14, 2022

History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2022. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 24, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 28, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2014. -- Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 396, sec. 4, effective January 1, 2001.

186.580 Appeals.

If any person is aggrieved by any final order of the cabinet relating to the denial, revocation, suspension, or cancellation of an operator's license or motorcycle operator's license other than orders of revocation or suspension when the facts render revocation or suspension mandatory, he may file a petition for judicial review in the Circuit Court of the county in which he resides, or in the Franklin Circuit Court in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.

Effective: March 27, 2020

History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 25, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 73, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 9; and ch. 74, sec. 1. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 7, effective June 13, 1968. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-44, 2739m-70.

186.590 Minor's negligence imputed to person signing application or allowing him or her to drive.

(1) Any negligence of a minor under the age of eighteen (18) who has been licensed upon an application signed as provided by KRS 186.470, when driving any motor vehicle upon a highway, shall be imputed to the person who signed the application, if required, of the minor for the license. That person shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for any damages caused by the negligence.

(2) If a minor deposits or there is deposited in his or her behalf, a proof of financial responsibility in form and amounts required by KRS 304.39-110, the person who signed the application shall not, while such proof is maintained, be subject to the liability imposed by subsection (1). If the minor is the owner of a motor vehicle, the proof of financial responsibility shall be with respect to the operation of that motor vehicle; if not an owner, then with respect to the operation of any motor vehicle.

(3) Every motor vehicle owner who causes or knowingly permits a minor under the age of eighteen (18) to drive the vehicle upon a highway, and any person who gives or furnishes a motor vehicle to the minor shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for damage caused by the negligence of the minor in driving the vehicle.

Effective:June 29, 2017

History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 11, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2017. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739m-41, 2739m-53, 2739m-54.

186.600 Repealed, 1990.

[Repealed]

186.610 Prohibited uses of licenses -- Fraud in application.

No person shall:

(1) Display or cause or permit to be displayed or have in his possession any operator's license knowing it to be fictitious or to have been canceled, revoked, suspended or altered;

(2) Lend to, or knowingly permit the use of by, one not entitled to, any operator's license issued to the person so lending or permitting the use of the license;

(3) Represent as one's own any operator's license not issued to the person displaying the license;

(4) Fail to surrender to the cabinet upon demand, any operator's license which has been suspended, canceled or revoked;

(5) Use a false name or give a false address in any application for an operator's license or any renewal or duplicate, or knowingly make a false statement or knowingly conceal a material fact or otherwise commit a fraud in any application.

Effective: October 1, 1942

History: Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-56.

186.620 Unlawful to drive or permit another to drive without license -- Display of license on request of peace officer -- Defense.

(1) No person shall authorize or knowingly permit a motor vehicle owned or controlled by him to be driven by any person who has no legal right to drive it or in violation of any of the provisions of KRS 186.400 to 186.640.

(2) No person who has not applied for an operator's license or whose operator's license has been denied, canceled, suspended or revoked, or whose privilege to operate a motor vehicle has been withdrawn, shall operate any motor vehicle upon the highways while the license is denied, canceled, suspended, or revoked or his privilege to operate a motor vehicle is withdrawn, or the license has not been applied for.

(3) If the operator of a motor vehicle on a public highway is requested by a peace officer, authorized to arrest a person for a violation of subsection (2) of this section or KRS 189A.090, to display his operator's license and fails to display his operator's license, that fact shall be admissible in court and shall be prima facie proof of violation of subsection (2) of this section or KRS 189A.090.

(4) It shall be a defense to a charge under this section and KRS 189A.090 if the person charged presents to the court an operator's license issued to him before the date of the charge and which was valid on the date of the charge.

Effective: July 1, 1991

History: Amended 1991 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 15, sec. 21, effective July 1, 1991. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739m-58, 2739m-59.

186.630 Renting a motor vehicle to another.

(1) No person shall rent a motor vehicle to any other person if the latter is not licensed, unless he is a nonresident whose home state or country does not require that an operator be licensed.

(2) No person shall rent a motor vehicle to another until he has inspected the operator's license of the person to whom the vehicle is to be rented and compared and verified the signature on the license with the signature of that person written in his presence.

(3) Every person renting a motor vehicle to another shall keep a record of the registration number of the motor vehicle rented, the name and address of the person to whom the vehicle is rented, the number of his license and the date and place of issuance of his license. That record shall be open to inspection by any police officer or employee of the cabinet.

(4) This section shall not apply to peer-to-peer car sharing as defined in KRS 365.520.

Effective: January 1, 2023

History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 15, effective January 1, 2023. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-66.

186.635 Persons required to complete examinations under KRS 186.480 -- Reinstatement.

(1) The following persons shall be required to successfully complete the examinations required under KRS 186.480 prior to being issued a Kentucky operator's license:

(a) A person who has been issued a Kentucky instruction permit or intermediate license;

(b) A person who has applied for a Kentucky operator's license under KRS 186.412 or 186.4121; and

(c) Other persons as identified in an administrative regulation promulgated by the Department of Kentucky State Police or the Transportation Cabinet under KRS Chapter 13A.

(2) A person who possessed a Kentucky operator's license that has expired for a period of less than five (5) years and was not subject to suspension, withdrawal, revocation, or disqualification at the time of expiration may have that license reinstated without submitting to the examinations required under KRS 186.480 by applying to the cabinet for renewal. Upon submission of any vision testing required under KRS 186.577 and review of the person's driving history record, the cabinet shall issue a renewal operator's license to an applicant under this subsection.

Effective:April 8, 2022 History Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 2, effective April 8, 2022. -- Repealed, reenacted, renumbered, and amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 29, effective January 1, 2019 -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 200, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 7, effective July 12, 2006. -- Created 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 8, effective July 15, 2002. Formerly codified as KRS 186.6401.

Legislative Research Commission Note (4/8/2022). In codification, a correction has been made to subsection (2) of this statute. Section 2 of 2022 RS Senate Bill 124, which amended this statute, contains a reference to "this paragraph," which does not correspond to the relevant subdivision of this section. It is clear from the context that the reference was intended to read "this subsection," and the Reviser of Statutes has corrected this reference under the authority of KRS 7.136.

186.640 Driving without operator's license is evidence of negligence in accident.

Any driver involved in any accident resulting in any damage whatever to person or to property who is ineligible to procure an operator's license, or being eligible therefor has failed to procure a license, or whose license has been canceled, suspended or revoked prior to the time of the accident, shall be deemed prima facie negligent in causing or contributing to cause the accident.

Effective: October 1, 1942

History: Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-62.

186.6401 Renumbered as KRS 186.635.

[Renumbered as KRS 186.635.]

Habitual Violator Habitual Violator

186.641 When abstract of driving record to be certified to county attorney.

On and after June 21, 1974, and when the records of the Transportation Cabinet disclose that any person has been convicted under the traffic laws of this state, or a valid municipal or county ordinance paralleling and substantially conforming to a like state law, of an offense occurring on or after June 21, 1974, which record of conviction, when taken with, and added to the previous convictions of such person of offenses occurring within five (5) years prior to the date of such offense, as contained in the files of the Transportation Cabinet, shall reveal that said person is an habitual violator, as hereinafter defined, the secretary of the Transportation Cabinet shall forthwith certify to the county attorney of the county in which such person resides according to the records of the cabinet, a full and complete abstract of the person's driving record as shown in the files of the cabinet. The provisions of this section shall apply only to offenses and records of offenses committed after June 21, 1974. These provisions shall have no retroactive effect before June 21, 1974.

Effective: June 21, 1974

History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 374, sec. 1, June 21, 1974.

186.642 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.643 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.644 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.645 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.646 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.647 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.648 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.649 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

Registration of Trailers Registration of Trailers

186.650 Definitions for KRS 186.650 to 186.700.

As used in KRS 186.650 to 186.700:

(1) A "trailer" means any vehicle designed for carrying persons or property and being drawn by a motor vehicle being so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle.

(2) "Semitrailer" means any vehicle designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and is so constructed that some part of its weight and some part of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle, except that:

(a) "Semitrailer" shall not include any vehicle designed for carrying persons or property and being drawn by a motor vehicle registered according to the provisions of KRS 186.050(4)(a) and used by a farmer only for transporting persons, food, provender, feed, machinery, livestock, material and supplies necessary for his farming operation, and the products grown on his farm.

(3) "Manufactured home" means a structure, transportable in one (1) or more sections, which:

(a) Is eight (8) body feet or more in width and forty (40) body feet or more in length when in the traveling mode;

(b) Has three hundred twenty (320) or more square feet when erected on site;

(d) Is designed to be used as a dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation, when connected to the required utilities;

(e) Includes plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems; and

(f) May be used as a place of residence, business, profession, or trade by the owner, lessee or their assigns, and may consist of one (1) or more units that can be attached or joined together to comprise an integral unit or condominium structure.

(4) "Recreational vehicle" means a vehicular type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, which either has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by another vehicle. The basic entities are: travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, and motor home;

(a) A travel trailer is a vehicular unit, mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. It shall be a size and weight which shall not require special highway movement permits when drawn by a motorized vehicle. It shall have a living area of less than two hundred twenty (220) square feet, excluding built-in equipment (such as wardrobes, closets, cabinets, kitchen units, or fixtures) and bath and toilet rooms. The exterior area of a travel trailer shall be less than three hundred twenty (320) square feet.

(b) A camping trailer is a vehicular portable unit mounted on wheels and constructed with collapsible partial side walls which fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold at the camp site to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use.

(c) A truck camper is a portable unit constructed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, travel, or camping use, consisting of a roof, floor, and sides, designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from the bed of a pick-up truck.

(d) A motor home is a vehicular unit designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use built on or permanently attached to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or on a chassis cab or van which is an integral part of the completed vehicle.

(5) "Cabinet" means the Transportation Cabinet.

Effective: July 15, 1994

History: Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 42, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 395, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 90, sec. 3; and ch. 368, sec. 3. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 14, effective January 1, 1967; and ch. 255, sec. 172. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 18, effective January 1, 1963. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 1.

186.655 Time of registration -- Application -- Affidavit -- Sales tax.

(1) Before any owner or operator of a trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle may operate upon the highways, the owner shall apply for registration to the county clerk of the county in which he resides or in which the vehicles are principally operated. The application shall be retained by the clerk and shall be accompanied by:

(a) A manufacturer's certificate of origin, if the application is for the registration of a new trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle;

(b) The owner's registration receipt, if the trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle was last registered in this state;

(c) A bill of sale and the previous registration receipt, if last registered in another state that does not require the owner of a trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle to obtain a certificate of title or ownership;

(d) A certificate of title, if last registered in another state that requires the owner of a trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle to obtain a certificate of title or ownership;

(e) An affidavit from the owner of a trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle assembled or constructed for his personal use on the highways; or

(f) An affidavit from the owner of a trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle where the bill of sale for the vehicle has been lost, destroyed, or stolen.

(2) The affidavit required in paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of this section shall contain the owner's name, address, date, brief description, and a statement that the trailer was constructed by the owner for use on the highways and additional information the cabinet may require by administrative regulation promulgated pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A.

(3) The affidavit required in paragraph (f) of subsection (1) of this section shall contain the owner's name, address, date, make, year made, serial or identification number, name of the person from whom purchased, date of purchase, a statement that the person making the affidavit is the sole owner, the circumstances under which the bill of sale was lost, destroyed, or stolen, and additional information the cabinet may require by administrative regulation promulgated pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A.

(4) After initial registration of his vehicles in this state, the owner shall register his trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle on or before April 1 of each year. Registration with the clerk shall be deemed to be registration with the cabinet.

Effective: January 1, 2007

History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 252, Pt. XIV, sec. 3, effective January 1, 2007. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 607, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 42, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 395, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 15, effective June 19, 1976; and ch. 236, sec. 1, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 15. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 19, effective January 1, 1963. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 70, sec. 26. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 2.

186.660 Trailer, semitrailer, mobile home or recreational vehicle last registered in another state.

A trailer, semitrailer, mobile home or recreational vehicle last registered in another state and purchased by a person for operation in this state shall be first registered in this state by and in the name of the purchaser and not in the name of the seller.

Effective: July 15, 1982

History: Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 395, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1982. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 3, effective January 1, 1957.

186.665 Inability to register trailer, semitrailer, mobile home or recreational vehicle before April 1.

If an owner because of sickness or absence from the state is unable to renew the registration of his trailer, semitrailer, mobile home or recreational vehicle on or before April 1, he will be deemed to have complied with the law, if before operating the trailer, semitrailer, mobile home or recreational vehicle in this state he registers it at some later date and pays the fee for the full year, just as though he had renewed the registration on or before April 1. The owner shall file with the application an affidavit showing sickness or absence.

Effective: July 15, 1982

History: Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 395, sec. 13, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 16, effective January 1, 1967. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 4.

186.670 Application blanks -- Registration receipt and plate.

(1) The application blank shall contain blank spaces for, and the applicant shall fill in the owner's name and post office address, make of the trailer, semitrailer, mobile home or recreational vehicle, and serial or identification number. Every application shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee.

(2) Upon filing application and paying the fee as provided by law, said owner shall be given a receipt containing the registration number and the information included in the application and one (1) plate for the registration year bearing said number.

Effective: July 15, 1982

History: Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 395, sec. 14, effective July 15, 1982. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, secs. 5 and 6, effective January 1, 1957.

186.675 Annual fees -- Permanent registration and fee. (Effective until January 1, 2027)

(1) The annual registration fee for trailers and semitrailers which are drawn by motor vehicles required to be licensed under KRS 186.050(1) shall be four dollars and fifty cents ($4.50). The annual registration fee for trailers and semitrailers which are drawn by motor vehicles required to be licensed under KRS 186.050(3) to (13) shall be nineteen dollars and fifty cents ($19.50).

(2) The provisions of KRS 186.650 to 186.700 shall not apply to privately owned and operated trailers used for the transportation of:

(a) Boats;

(b) Luggage;

(d) Farm products, farm supplies, or farm equipment;

(e) All-terrain vehicles as defined in KRS 189.010(24);

(f) Wildlife as defined in KRS 150.010 that the owner or operator of the trailer has obtained while hunting; and

(g) Firearms or other supplies used in conjunction with hunting wildlife.

(3) The registration fee for mobile homes and recreational vehicles shall be nine dollars and fifty cents ($9.50) except the registration fee for camping trailers, travel trailers, and truck campers shall be four dollars and fifty cents ($4.50). The clerk shall issue the registration plate furnished by the cabinet and shall be paid for this service the sum of one dollar ($1).

(4) Beginning April 1, 1993, at the request of the owner, trailers and semitrailers which are drawn by motor vehicles required to be licensed under KRS 186.050(3) to (13) may be permanently registered, except the registration shall expire when the trailer or semitrailer is sold or when it is otherwise permanently removed from service by the owner. The registration fee for the period shall be ninety-eight dollars ($98). The clerk shall issue the registration plate furnished by the cabinet and shall be paid for this service the sum of three dollars ($3).

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 22, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 11, effective June 27, 2019; and ch. 167, sec. 5, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 9, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 460, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 32, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 1, effective April 1, 1993. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 25, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982; and ch. 395, sec. 15, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 6, effective June 17, 17, 1978. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 17, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 70, sec. 27. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 7.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2020). A reference to "KRS 150.010(45)" in subsection (2)(f) of this statute has been changed to "KRS 150.010(46)" to conform with renumbering of definitions in that statute during the codification of 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 2.

186.675 Annual fees -- Permanent registration and fee. (Effective January 1, 2027)

(2) The provisions of KRS 186.650 to 186.700 shall not apply to privately owned and operated trailers used for the transportation of:

(a) Boats;

(b) Luggage;

(d) Farm products, farm supplies, or farm equipment;

(e) All-terrain vehicles as defined in KRS 189.010(24);

(f) Wildlife as defined in KRS 150.010 that the owner or operator of the trailer has obtained while hunting; and

(g) Firearms or other supplies used in conjunction with hunting wildlife.

(4) At the request of the owner, trailers and semitrailers which are drawn by motor vehicles required to be licensed under KRS 186.050(3) to (13) may be permanently registered, except the registration shall expire when the trailer or semitrailer is sold or when it is otherwise permanently removed from service by the owner. The registration fee for the period shall be ninety-eight dollars ($98). The clerk shall issue the registration plate furnished by the cabinet and shall be paid for this service a fee established by the cabinet by administrative regulation under KRS 186.017.

Effective: January 1, 2027

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 33, effective January 1, 2027. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 22, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 11, effective June 27, 2019; and ch. 167, sec. 5, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 9, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 460, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 428, sec. 32, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 1, effective April 1, 1993. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 25, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982; and ch. 395, sec. 15, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 6, effective June 17, 17, 1978. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 17, effective January 1, 1967. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 70, sec. 27. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 7.

186.680 Registration fees for portion of year.

If a person becomes the owner of a trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle after April 1 of any year, and for that reason registers for only part of a year, the registration fee shall be as many twelfths of the annual fee as there are unexpired months in the registration year.

Effective: July 15, 1994

History: Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 42, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 395, sec. 16, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 18, effective January 1, 1967. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 8.

186.685 Registration plates -- Design.

The cabinet shall prescribe a plate of practical form and size which shall contain only the registration number and the word "Trailer" and the abbreviation of the word "Kentucky".

Effective: January 1, 1957

History: Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 9, effective January 1, 1957.

186.690 Application of KRS 186.045 and 186.070 to 186.240.

KRS 186.045 and 186.070 to 186.240 shall apply to the registration of trailers, semitrailers, and recreational vehicles if practicable.

Effective: July 15, 1994

History: Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 42, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 395, sec. 17, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 19, effective January 1, 1967. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 10.

186.695 Exemptions.

(1) Trailers, semitrailers, and manufactured homes as defined in KRS 186.650 to 186.700 are expressly exempted from KRS 138.450 to 138.470.

(2) Trailers and semitrailers in transit between a manufacturing plant and dealer's place of business; between a manufacturing plant and user's place of residence; or between a dealer's place of business and user's place of residence and farm equipment pulled or towed by a motor vehicle not required to be licensed under the provisions of KRS Chapter 186 shall be exempt from the provisions of KRS 186.650 to 186.700.

(3) Recreational vehicles and manufactured homes in transit between a manufacturing plant and dealer's place of business shall be exempt from the provisions of KRS 186.650 to 186.700.

(4) Manufactured homes shall be exempt from the provisions of KRS 186.650 to 186.700.

Effective: July 15, 1994

History: Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 42, secs. 5 and 8, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 395, sec. 18, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 120, sec. 1. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, secs. 11 and 11a.

Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). This section was amended by 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 42, secs. 5 and 8 which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

186.700 Department of Vehicle Regulation to administer KRS 186.650 to 186.700 -- Cooperation with Transportation Cabinet.

The Department of Vehicle Regulation shall administer the provisions of KRS 186.650 to 186.700, except that the Transportation Cabinet shall require an accounting by the clerk for the moneys received by the clerk under the provisions of KRS 186.675 and for all receipts, forms, plates and insignia consigned to him, and the clerk shall forward these moneys to the Transportation Cabinet in accordance with the other provisions of this chapter. The Department of Vehicle Regulation shall include on the registration receipts such information as shall be required by the Transportation Cabinet.

Effective: January 1, 1963

History: Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 20, effective January 1, 1963. -- Created 1956 (2nd Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 12.

186.750 Definitions for KRS 186.750 and 186.752.

As used in this section and KRS 186.752:

(1) "Bi-fuel system" means the power system of motor vehicles that are powered by gasoline and either CNG or LNG;

(2) "Cabinet" means the Transportation Cabinet;

(3) "Clean transportation fuel" means:

(a) Propane, CNG, LNG, bi-fuel systems, or electricity when they are used as motor vehicle fuel; or

(b) Other transportation fuels determined by the division to be comparable with respect to emissions;

(4) "Compressed natural gas" or "CNG" means pipeline quality natural gas that is compressed and provided for sale or use as a motor vehicle fuel;

(5) "Conversion" means:

(a) Repowering a motor vehicle or special mobile equipment by replacing its original gasoline or diesel powered engine with one capable of operating on clean transportation fuel; or

(b) Retrofitting a motor vehicle or special mobile equipment with parts that enable its original gasoline or diesel powered engine to operate on clean transportation fuel;

(6) "Division" means the Division for Air Quality within the Energy and Environment Cabinet;

(7) "Liquefied natural gas," "liquid natural gas," or "LNG" means pipeline-quality natural gas treated to remove water, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and other components that will freeze and condensed into liquid form for sale or use as a motor vehicle fuel;

(8) "Liquefied petroleum gas," "propane," or "LPG" means a hydrocarbon mixture produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining and condensed into liquid form for sale or use as a motor fuel;

(9) "Motor vehicle" means a self-propelled device by which a person or property may be transported upon a public highway, except a device moved by human or animal power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks, or which derives its power from overhead wires; and

(10) "Special mobile equipment" means a motor vehicle or mobile equipment not designed or used primarily to transport people, including but not limited to construction or maintenance equipment.

Effective: June 25, 2013

History: Created 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013.

186.752 Safety inspection required for vehicles converted to the use of natural gas after January 1, 2013 -- Certification to owner and cabinet -- Administrative regulations -- Directions to cabinet.

(1) The owner of a motor vehicle that has been converted after January 1, 2013, to operate on either CNG or LNG alone or in a bi-fuel system shall have the motor vehicle inspected to ascertain compliance with relevant federal safety standards covering the use of these fuels. The safety inspection shall occur:

(a) At the time of the conversion;

(b) Every three (3) years or thirty-six thousand (36,000) miles after the conversion, whichever occurs first; and

(2) The owner of a motor vehicle originally designed and manufactured to use compressed or liquid natural gas as a fuel shall have it inspected for safety following any collision in which any vehicle involved is traveling at five (5) miles per hour or greater.

(3) A person who performs the conversion of a motor vehicle to operate on either CNG or LNG alone or in a bi-fuel system shall certify to the owner of the motor vehicle and the cabinet that the conversion does not tamper with, circumvent, or otherwise affect any existing motor vehicle emissions or diagnostic systems, except as necessary to complete the conversion.

(4) The cabinet may promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to carry out the provisions of this section to:

(a) Qualify persons to perform safety inspections on converted motor vehicles;

(b) Modify or adopt for state use any federal safety standards, if necessary; and

(c) Identify motor vehicles that have been converted to operate on clean transportation fuels and ensure compliance with the safety, emissions, and efficiency requirements of this section and applicable administrative regulations.

(5) In promulgating administrative regulations, the cabinet shall consider:

(a) Directing that inspections use equipment which is widely available in the state; and

(b) Creating a regulatory framework that encourages the conversion and sale of motor vehicles that operate on CNG, LNG, or a bi-fuel system.

Effective: June 25, 2013

History: Created 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 2, effective June 25, 2013.

Autonomous Vehicles Autonomous Vehicles

186.760 Definitions for KRS 186.760 to 186.779.

As used in KRS 186.760 to 186.779:

(1) "Automated driving system" means hardware and software that are collectively capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task on a sustained basis, regardless of whether it is limited to a specific operational design domain;

(2) "Dynamic driving task" or "DDT":

(a) Means all of the real-time operational and tactical functions required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic, including without limitation:

Lateral vehicle motion control via steering;
Longitudinal motion control via acceleration and deceleration;
Monitoring the driving environment via object and event detection, recognition, classification, and response preparation;
Object and event response execution;
Maneuver planning; and
Enhancing conspicuity via lighting, signaling, and gesturing; and

(b) Does not include strategic functions such as trip scheduling and the selection of destinations and waypoints;

(3) "DDT fallback" means the response by:

(a) The person or human driver to either perform the DDT or achieve a minimal risk condition after occurrence of a DDT performance relevant system failure, or upon operational design domain exit; or

(b) An automated driving system to achieve minimal risk condition, given the same circumstances identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection;

(4) "Fully autonomous vehicle" means a motor vehicle equipped with an automated driving system designed to function without a human driver as a level 4 or 5 system under SAE J3016;

(5) "Human driver" means a natural person in the vehicle with a valid license to operate a motor vehicle who controls all or part of the dynamic driving task;

(6) "Minimal risk condition" means a condition to which a person, human driver, or an automated driving system may bring a vehicle after performing the DDT fallback in order to reduce the risk of a crash when a given trip cannot or should not be completed;

(7) "Operational design domain" or "ODD" means the operating conditions under which a given automated driving system is specifically designed to function, including but not limited to:

(a) Environmental, geographical, and time-of-day restrictions; and

(b) The requisite presence or absence of certain traffic and roadway characteristics;

(8) "Public agency" has the same meaning as in KRS 61.870;

(9) "Request to intervene" means a notification by an automated driving system to a human driver that the human driver should promptly begin or resume performance of part or all of the dynamic driving task; and

(10) "SAE J3016" means the "Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles" published by SAE International on June 15, 2018, as amended.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2024.

186.763 Use of fully autonomous vehicle permissible -- Conditions -- Law enforcement interaction plan.

(1) Subject to the limitations in subsection (2) of this section, a person may operate a fully autonomous vehicle on the highways of this state without a human driver provided that the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle meets the following conditions:

(a) If a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders that system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task relevant to its intended operational design domain, the fully autonomous vehicle will achieve a minimal risk condition;

(b) The fully autonomous vehicle is capable of operating in compliance with the applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of this state when reasonable to do so, unless an exemption has been granted by the Transportation Cabinet; and

(c) When required by federal law, the vehicle bears the required manufacturer's certification label indicating that at the time of its manufacture it has been certified to be in compliance with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, including any exemptions granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(2) From July 15, 2024, until July 31, 2026, a fully autonomous vehicle for which the declared gross weight of the vehicle and any towed unit is more than sixty-two thousand (62,000) pounds shall have a human driver, with the appropriate credentials to operate the vehicle, present in the vehicle to monitor the performance of the vehicle and intervene if necessary.

(3) Prior to operating a fully autonomous vehicle on the highways of this state without a human driver, a person shall submit a law enforcement interaction plan to the Transportation Cabinet and the Department of Kentucky State Police that describes:

(a) How to communicate with a fleet support specialist who is available during the times the vehicle is in operation;

(b) How to safely remove the fully autonomous vehicle from the roadway and steps to safely tow the vehicle;

(d) Any additional information the manufacturer or owner deems necessary regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the operation of the fully autonomous vehicle.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2024.

186.766 Insurance requirements for operation of fully autonomous vehicle.

(1) Before operating a fully autonomous vehicle that does not meet the definition of a motor carrier under KRS 281.010 on a highway in this state without a human driver, a person shall submit proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the Transportation Cabinet that the fully autonomous vehicle has single limits liability coverage, by contract of insurance or by qualifying as a self-insurer, of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) that satisfies the requirements of KRS 304.39-080.

(2) Before operating a fully autonomous vehicle that meets the definition of a motor carrier under KRS 281.010 on a highway in this state without a human driver, a person shall submit proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the Transportation Cabinet that the fully autonomous vehicle is covered by insurance or proof of self-insurance that satisfies the requirements of KRS 281.655.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2024.

186.769 Title and registration requirements.

A fully autonomous vehicle shall be properly titled and registered in accordance with KRS Chapters 186 and 186A. If a fully autonomous vehicle is titled and registered in this state, the vehicle shall be identified on the title and registration as a fully autonomous vehicle.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2024.

186.770 Use of motor vehicle with automated driving system permissible -- Conditions.

(1) A person may operate a motor vehicle equipped with an automated driving system capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task if the automated driving system:

(a) Will achieve a minimal risk condition or issue a request to intervene with the expectation that the person will respond appropriately to such a request whenever the automated driving system is not capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task; and

(b) Is capable of being operated in compliance with KRS 189.285 to 189.450, unless an exemption has been granted by the Transportation Cabinet.

(2) Nothing in this chapter or KRS Chapter 189 prohibits or restricts a human driver from operating a fully autonomous vehicle equipped with controls that allow for the human driver to control all or part of the dynamic driving task.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 5, effective July 15, 2024.

186.773 Application of KRS Chapter 281 to fully autonomous vehicle that is a motor carrier.

A fully autonomous vehicle that meets the definition of a motor carrier under KRS 281.010 shall also be subject to KRS Chapter 281.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2024.

186.776 Transportation Cabinet is sole agency for implementation of KRS 186.760 to 186.779 -- Administrative regulations.

(1) Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, KRS Chapter 189, and KRS Chapter 281, fully autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems are governed exclusively by the provisions of KRS 186.760 to 186.779. The Transportation Cabinet is the sole and exclusive state agency that may implement KRS 186.760 to 186.779.

(2) No state agency shall prohibit the operation of fully autonomous vehicles or automated driving systems, or otherwise enact or keep in force rules or ordinances that would impose taxes, fees, or other requirements, including performance standards, that are specific to the operation of fully autonomous vehicles or automated driving systems.

(3) The Transportation Cabinet may promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to implement procedural provision of KRS 186.760 to 186.779, but shall not impose additional requirements on the operation of fully autonomous vehicles or automated driving systems that are inconsistent with KRS 186.760 to 186.779.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2024.

186.779 Limitation on regulatory authority of other public agencies regarding fully autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems.

(1) The provisions of KRS 186.760 to 186.779 are intended to be a comprehensive scheme of legislation governing the operational and performance standards of fully autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems. No public agency shall prohibit the operation of fully autonomous vehicles or automated driving systems or impose any rule, regulation, or ordinance in conflict with KRS 186.760 to 186.779 or that otherwise differentiates the treatment of fully autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems from non-autonomous vehicles.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall be interpreted or construed to prohibit a city, county, charter county government, consolidated local government, or urban- county government from exercising the powers and authorities provided by law to govern the public streets and roadways within their respective jurisdictions, provided that any action does not impose additional requirements in conflict with KRS 186.760 to 186.779 or otherwise differentiate the treatment of fully autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems from nonautonomous vehicles.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Created 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 176, sec. 8, effective July 15, 2024.

Nonresident Violators' Compact Nonresident Violators' Compact

186.860 Authorization to develop and join the Nonresident Violator Compact.

The secretary of the Transportation Cabinet, the commissioner of the Department of Vehicle Regulation, or a duly authorized agent, is hereby authorized and directed to negotiate with other states for the purpose of developing and joining the "Nonresident Violator Compact." The department may promulgate regulations concerning the administration of such compact and shall prescribe the penalties and procedures for the required compliance.

Effective: June 17, 1978

History: Created 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 287, sec. 1, effective June 17, 1978.

186.865 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]

186.870 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.875 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.880 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.885 Repealed, 2005.

Catchline at repeal: Powers of cabinet.

History: Repealed 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 122, sec. 11, effective July 1, 2005. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 277, sec. 4, effective July 14, 1992.

186.890 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.891 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.892 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.893 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.894 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

186.895 Repealed, 2005.

[Repealed]

Penalties Penalties

186.990 Penalties.

(1) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 186.020, 186.030, 186.040, 186.045(4), 186.050, 186.056, 186.060, 186.073, 186.110, 186.130, 186.140, 186.160, 186.170, 186.180(1) to (4), 186.210(1), 186.230, or KRS 186.655 to 186.680 shall be guilty of a violation.

(2) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 138.465, 186.072, 186.190, 186.200, or 186.210(2) shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(3) A person who violates the provisions of KRS 186.450(4), (5), or (6) or 186.452(3), (4), or (5) shall be guilty of a violation. A person who violates any of the other provisions of KRS 186.400 to 186.640 shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(4) Any clerk or judge failing to comply with KRS 186.550(1) shall be guilty of a violation.

(5) If it appears to the satisfaction of the trial court that any offender under KRS 186.400 to 186.640 has a driver's license but in good faith failed to have it on his or her person or misplaced or lost it, the court may, in its discretion, dismiss the charges against the defendant without fine, imprisonment, or cost.

(6) Any person who steals a motor vehicle registration plate, temporary tag, or renewal decal shall be guilty of a Class D felony. Displaying a canceled registration plate or temporary tag on a motor vehicle shall be prima facie evidence of guilt under this section.

(7) Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 186.1911 shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(8) Any person who makes a false affidavit to secure a license plate under KRS 186.172 shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(9) Any person who violates any provision of KRS 186.070 or 186.150 shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(10) Any person who operates a vehicle bearing a dealer's plate upon the highways of this Commonwealth with intent to evade the motor vehicle usage tax or registration fee shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony for each subsequent offense.

(11) Any person, other than a licensed dealer or manufacturer, who procures a dealer's plate with intent to evade the motor vehicle usage tax or registration fee shall be guilty of a Class D felony.

(12) Any resident who unlawfully registers, titles, or licenses a motor vehicle in any state other than Kentucky with intent to evade the motor vehicle usage tax or the registration fee shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if the amount of tax due is less than one hundred dollars ($100), or of a Class D felony if the amount of tax due is more than one hundred dollars ($100), and in addition shall be liable for all taxes so evaded with applicable interest and penalties.

Effective: June 27, 2025

History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 8, effective June 27, 2025; and ch. 70, sec. 6, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 15, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2008; and 176, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 8, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 103, sec. 5, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 441, sec. 3, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 17, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 463, sec. 20, July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 118, sec. 104, effective July 1, 1987; ch. 431, sec. 14, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 498, sec. 6, effective April 1, 1987. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 373, sec. 7(1) to(9), effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 303, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1979 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 7, sec. 2, effective July 1, 1979. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 101, sec. 1, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 58. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 83, sec. 2. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 37, sec. 5. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 70, sec. 28. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 4. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739g-5c, 2739g-6, 2739g-7, 2739g- 65, 2739g-103, 2739g-104, 2739m-36, 2739m-48, 2739m-59, 2739m-69.

Legislative Research Commission Note (6/27/2025). This statute was amended by 2025 Ky. Acts chs. 39 and 70, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

Legislative Research Commission Note (6/24/2003). 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 408, sec. 178, renumbered the former subsection (2) of KRS 186.045 as subsection (1), but that Act failed to include a conforming amendment to change the reference to that subsection in subsection (1) of this statute. Under KRS 7.136(1)(e), that change has now been made.

186.991 Penalties.

Any person who violates, or causes, aids, or abets any violation of KRS 186.053 or of any order, rule, or regulation lawfully issued pursuant thereto, shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) or imprisoned for not more than thirty (30) days, or both.

Effective: June 24, 2015

History: Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 19, sec. 41, effective June 24, 2015. -- Amended 1979 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 7, sec. 3, effective July 1, 1979. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 101, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 32.

186.992 Repealed, 2000.

[Repealed]