Kentucky Revised Statutes
Includes enactments through the 2024 Regular Session
Chapter titles, centered headings, section catchlines, and explanatory notes are for informational purposes only and do not constitute any part of the law. For general laws governing construction of statutes, see KRS Chapter 446.
The KRS database was last updated on 11/21/2024
.005 Policy on regulation and registration of vehicles -- License plates.
.010 Definitions for chapter. (Effective until January 1, 2025)
.010 Definitions for chapter. (Effective January 1, 2025)
.014 Branch offices for processing titling and registration transactions.
.015 Repealed, 1966.
.016 Cabinet may prescribe methods of record keeping.
.018 Driving history records of operators -- Fees.
.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.
.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.
.023 Title and registration cancelled upon notice of transfer from another jurisdiction.
.025 Cabinet to furnish list of owners of registered vehicles to Department of Revenue.
.030 Form of application.
.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.
.035 Repealed, 1962.
.040 Issuance of certificate of registration -- Plates -- Clerk's fee -- Donations to child care assistance account -- Additional fees and distribution. (Effective until January 1, 2025)
.040 Issuance of certificate of registration -- Plates -- Clerk's fee -- Donations to child care assistance account -- Additional fees and distribution. (Effective January 1, 2025)
.041 Special military-related license plates.
.042 Accessible parking registration plates and parking privileges for persons with certain disabilities -- Application procedure -- Issuance.
.0422 Display of international symbol of access on accessible parking registration plate.
.0425 Accessible parking registration plate for vehicle used to transport persons with a disability -- Extension of legal parking period.
.043 Special license plates for historic motor vehicles -- Permanent registration.
.0435 Display of vintage Kentucky license plates on historic vehicle.
.044 Repealed, 2000.
.045 Discharge by payment in full -- Termination statement and record of termination of security interest -- Filing -- Time -- Fees -- Notations showing security interest -- Clerk not liable for accepting fraudulent termination statement. (Effective until January 1, 2025)
.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. (Effective January 1, 2025)
.047 Repealed, 1986.
.049 Voluntary donation to the Kentucky Circuit Clerks' Trust for Life to promote organ donation.
.050 Registration fees -- Voluntary donation for wildlife management and conservation activities and the agricultural program trust fund -- Collection of electric vehicle ownership fees. (Effective until January 1, 2025)
.050 Registration fees -- Voluntary donation for wildlife management and conservation activities and the agricultural program trust fund -- Collection of electric vehicle ownership fees. (Effective January 1, 2025)
.051 Year-round registration system -- Cabinet may designate separate registration years -- Staggered registration system for commercial motor vehicles.
.052 Repealed, 2015.
.053 License for dealer-demonstrator trucks or tractors -- Fee -- Tags.
.054 Renumbered in part as KRS 186.281.
.055 Repealed, 1966.
.056 Refund of portion of extra weight fees when ownership and use of vehicle are changed; refund or credit when use permanently discontinued.
.057 Repealed, 1987.
.0571 Repealed, effective April 1, 1987.
.058 Repealed, 1966.
.059 Operation of overweight commercial vehicle -- Ineligibility for exemption -- Department hearing -- Appeal.
.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.
.061 Motor vehicles owned by nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit.
.065 State-owned vehicles -- How marked -- Exceptions.
.067 Publicly owned vehicles, how marked -- Exceptions.
.068 Transit tag for transporting motor vehicle out of state -- Administrative regulations -- Exclusion of motor vehicle dealers and distributors.
.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.
.072 Commercial motor vehicle temporary registration placard -- Application process -- Uses -- Record of use -- Activation.
.073 Commercial trailer temporary registration placard -- Application process -- Uses -- Record of use -- Activation.
.074 Repealed, 1982.
.076 Repealed, 1986.
.080 Repealed, 1950.
.090 Repealed, 1950.
.100 Repealed, 1950.
.110 Interchangeable bodies -- Fees.
.115 Registration of vehicle assembled from parts of wrecked or salvaged motor vehicles.
.120 Refund of portion of fee when motor vehicle destroyed.
.130 Proportionate fees for commercial vehicle operated after registration year began.
.140 Reciprocity for nonresidents.
.145 Registration of nonresident by use of copy of registration or title document.
.150 Residents not to use license of other states.
.160 Motor numbers essential to registration -- Assignment of number.
.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, 2025)
.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, 2025)
.163 Special license plates for specified military units -- Qualifications -- Proof required.
.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.
.165 Exchange of one special license plate for another -- Transfer of special license plate to another vehicle.
.166 Perpetual production of certain special license plates -- Design of Purple Heart license plates.
.167 Repealed, 2019.
.168 Voluntary contributions to veterans' program trust fund upon registering vehicle.
.170 Retention of receipt -- Display of registration plates -- Decals to cover corporation trademark -- Registration years.
.1701 Repealed, 2000.
.1702 Repealed, 2000.
.171 Repealed, 2005.
.172 Special license plates for firefighters.
.1721 Repealed, 2005.
.1722 I Support Veterans special license plate.
.1723 Repealed, 2005.
.1724 Repealed, 2005.
.1725 Repealed, 2003.
.1726 Repealed, 2003 .
.1727 Repealed, 2003.
.173 Repealed, 2000.
.1731 Repealed, 2000.
.1732 Repealed, 2000.
.1733 Repealed, 2003.
.174 Personalized license plates. (Effective until January 1, 2025)
.174 Personalized license plates. (Effective January 1, 2025)
.175 Repealed, 1966.
.1751 Repealed, 2005.
.176 Repealed, 1972.
.1761 Repealed, 2005.
.1765 Repealed, 2003.
.177 Repealed, 2005.
.1775 Repealed, 2003.
.178 Repealed, 2005.
.179 Repealed, 2005.
.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.
.181 Seizure of canceled plates by Department of Kentucky State Police.
.182 Repealed, 2000.
.1831 Repealed, 2005.
.1835 Repealed, 2005.
.184 Repealed, 2005.
.185 Repealed, 2005.
.186 Repealed, 2005.
.1861 Repealed, 2000.
.1862 Repealed, 2003.
.1863 Repealed, 2003.
.1864 Repealed, 2003.
.1865 Repealed, 1997
.18651 Repealed, 2005.
.1866 Repealed, 2003.
.1867 Repealed, 2005.
.1868 Repealed, 2005.
.18685 Repealed, 2005.
.1869 Repealed, 2003.
.187 Repealed, 2005.
.188 Repealed, 2005.
.189 Repealed, 2005.
.190 Change of registration upon transfer of ownership -- Permitted registration plate transfers -- Clerk's fee.
.191 Repealed, 1982.
.1911 Replacement of vehicle identification number -- Fee.
.192 Evidence required of excise tax payment.
.193 Evidence required of ad valorem tax payment.
.195 Repealed, 1964.
.200 Contents of bill of sale.
.210 False statements in applications prohibited -- Possession of plates and receipts.
.220 Repealed, 1950.
.230 County clerk's duties -- Lien on vehicle, effect -- Issuance of plate without collecting taxes and fees prohibited.
.232 Registration not transferable until taxes paid, lien released, and proof of insurance and notarized affidavit presented.
.235 Repealed, 1982.
.240 Cabinet to furnish forms and plates -- Records -- Receipts -- Reflectorized license plate program fund -- Use of receipts -- Accounting by clerk -- Audit.
.245 Posting of notice about 2006 increases in fees of county clerks.
.250 Repealed, 1962.
.260 Arrests and bail for violations.
.270 City license taxes on trucks, tractors and trailers -- Notice of new or increased tax.
.275 Repealed, 1966.
.276 Repealed, 1998.
.280 Repealed, 1966.
.281 Repealed, 2015.
.285 Repealed, 1966.
.286 Repealed, 2015.
.290 Information on motor vehicle emissions test status and compliance.
.400 Duties of Transportation Cabinet -- Administration of laws.
.401 Definitions of "driver's license," "operator's license," and "commercial driver's license."
.402 Statement of legislative intent relating to young drivers.
.403 Voluntary travel ID instruction permits, operator's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification cards -- Application -- Fees -- Issuance -- Administrative regulations.
.405 Registration with United States Selective Service System -- Duties of cabinet.
.407 Annual report on identity document issuance.
.410 Operators' license -- Requirements and issuance -- Personal identification cards, validity -- Driver training programs -- Application for travel ID or standard document -- Owner of motor vehicle considered operator when fully autonomous vehicle system engaged.
.4101 Renewal of license -- Reconciliation of four-year and eight-year renewal periods.
.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.
.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.
.412 Application of United States citizen or permanent resident for instruction permit or operator's license -- Information and documents required -- Photograph -- Scanning and retaining of application information -- Temporary license or permit -- Birth certificate -- Oath. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
.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. (Effective July 1, 2025)
.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.
.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.
.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.
.4125 Documentation required for voluntary travel ID.
.413 Repealed, 2002.
.414 Repealed, 1978.
.415 Application for operator's license by military enlistee -- Conditions.
.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.
.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.
.418 Voluntary statewide child identification program -- Travel ID child identification -- Fee -- Term of child identification card.
.419 Additional documentation required for voluntary travel ID permit, license, or identification card -- Administrative regulations -- Proof of physical address and citizenship or immigration status.
.420 Exemption of operators of road or farm machinery and persons in Armed Forces.
.430 Exemptions from Kentucky operator's license requirement.
.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.
.440 Persons ineligible for operator's license -- Reinstatement fee.
.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.
.444 Medical review board -- Purpose -- Members -- Informal hearing -- Authority of cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations -- Prohibition against age-based licensing limitations -- Appeal.
.445 Repealed, 1950.
.447 Motorcycle operator's license restriction -- Three-wheeled motorcycles.
.450 Instruction permits for motor vehicle and motorcycle -- Application -- Age requirements -- Restrictions on driving with permit -- Exemption from permit for applicant who completes motorcycle rider training course -- Administrative regulations -- Minors and adults who assume responsibility for them.
.452 Intermediate license to operate a motor vehicle.
.454 Intermediate license holder application process.
.455 Repealed, 1958.
.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.
.460 Repealed, 1958.
.470 Application of minor -- Renewal of minor's license or permit -- Consent to release of academic information to cabinet -- Cancellation.
.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.
.490 Repealed, 2023.
.495 Repealed, 2019.
.500 Repealed, 1958.
.510 License to be in possession and to be shown on demand.
.520 Duplicate license.
.530 Repealed, 1948.
.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.
.5315 Repealed, 2019.
.535 Earmark of funds from operator's license and motorcycle registration fees.
.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.
.550 Courts to report convictions and send licenses to cabinet -- Exception for offenses committed under KRS Chapter 189A.
.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.
.565 Repealed, 1991.
.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.
.572 Assessment of penalty points for speeding on limited access highway.
.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.
.575 Repealed, 1956.
.576 Definitions for KRS 186.576 to 186.579.
.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.
.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.
.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.
.580 Appeals.
.590 Minor's negligence imputed to person signing application or allowing him or her to drive.
.600 Repealed, 1990.
.610 Prohibited uses of licenses -- Fraud in application.
.620 Unlawful to drive or permit another to drive without license -- Display of license on request of peace officer -- Defense.
.630 Renting a motor vehicle to another.
.635 Persons required to complete examinations under KRS 186.480 -- Reinstatement.
.640 Driving without operator's license is evidence of negligence in accident.
.6401 Renumbered as KRS 186.635.
.641 When abstract of driving record to be certified to county attorney.
.642 Repealed, 2000.
.643 Repealed, 2000.
.644 Repealed, 2000.
.645 Repealed, 2000.
.646 Repealed, 2000.
.647 Repealed, 2000.
.648 Repealed, 2000.
.649 Repealed, 2000.
.650 Definitions for KRS 186.650 to 186.700.
.655 Time of registration -- Application -- Affidavit -- Sales tax.
.660 Trailer, semitrailer, mobile home or recreational vehicle last registered in another state.
.665 Inability to register trailer, semitrailer, mobile home or recreational vehicle before April 1.
.670 Application blanks -- Registration receipt and plate.
.675 Annual fees -- Permanent registration and fee.
.680 Registration fees for portion of year.
.685 Registration plates -- Design.
.690 Application of KRS 186.045 and 186.070 to 186.240.
.695 Exemptions.
.700 Department of Vehicle Regulation to administer KRS 186.650 to 186.700 -- Cooperation with Transportation Cabinet.
.750 Definitions for KRS 186.750 and 186.752.
.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.
.760 Definitions for KRS 186.760 to 186.779.
.763 Use of fully autonomous vehicle permissible -- Conditions -- Law enforcement interaction plan.
.766 Insurance requirements for operation of fully autonomous vehicle.
.769 Title and registration requirements.
.770 Use of motor vehicle with automated driving system permissible -- Conditions.
.773 Application of KRS Chapter 281 to fully autonomous vehicle that is a motor carrier.
.776 Transportation Cabinet is sole agency for implementation of KRS 186.760 to 186.779 -- Administrative regulations.
.779 Limitation on regulatory authority of other public agencies regarding fully autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems.
.860 Authorization to develop and join the Nonresident Violator Compact.
.865 Repealed, 2000.
.870 Repealed, 2005.
.875 Repealed, 2005.
.880 Repealed, 2005.
.885 R epealed, 2005.
.890 Repealed, 2005.
.891 Repealed, 2005.
.892 Repealed, 2005.
.893 Repealed, 2005.
.894 Repealed, 2005.
.895 Repealed, 2005.
.990 Penalties.
.991 Penalties.
.992 Repealed, 2000.