Title 601 | Chapter 009 | Regulation 090REG
PROPOSED
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PREVIOUS VERSION
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TRANSPORTATION CABINET
Department of Vehicle Regulation
(Amendment)
601 KAR 9:090.Procedures for inspecting vehicles.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Roadworthiness" means "roadworthy condition" as defined by KRS 186A.510(8).(2)
"Salvage title" is defined by KRS 186A.520(1)Section 2.
Inspection of Vehicles Brought into Kentucky.(1)
If an owner of a vehicle brought into the state as established in KRS 186A.115 does not have the title to that vehicle available upon the vehicle's physical inspection for roadworthiness, the certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall be allowed to inspect the vehicle and complete the certified inspector section of the application for title.(2)
A certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall not sign or date the application for title of a vehicle brought into this state until the title for the vehicle being inspected is surrendered to the certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector for examination and verification.(3)
(a)
If the federal safety standard label on the door of the vehicle is missing or illegible, the certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall document this discrepancy on the application.(b)
The certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall certify the inspection by using the vehicle identification number plate and the corresponding number on the vehicle title document.Section 3.
Inspection of Rebuilt or Reconstructed Vehicles.(1)
A certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall inspect and certify a specially constructed or reconstructed vehicle if an outstanding motor vehicle title or manufacturers statement of origin document does not exist.(2)
A motor vehicle owner applying for a salvage title shall not be required to have a certified motor vehicle inspection.Section 4.
Procedures of Inspector.(1)
A certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall not inspect a vehicle if the inspector has an interest or ownership in the vehicle, or if the vehicle is owned by the inspector's immediate family.(2)
(a)
Before signing the certificate of inspection for a specially constructed or reconstructed vehicle, a certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall perform a physical inspection of the vehicle.(b)
A certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall insure that the vehicle complies with the equipment and safety requirements of KRS 189.010 through 189.210.(c)
The certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall execute a certificate of inspection if the vehicle complies with the equipment and safety requirements established by KRS 189.010 through 189.210.APPROVED BY TRANSPORTATION CABINET:
REBECCA GOODMAN, Secretary
MATT COLE, Commissioner
APPROVED BY AGENCY: June 15, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: June 15, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on August 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. EST, at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) working days prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on August 31, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person below.
CONTACT PERSON: Jon Johnson, Staff Attorney Manager/Assistant General Counsel, Transportation Cabinet Office of Legal Services. 200 Mero Street Frankfort, Kentucky 40622. Telephone: (502) 782-8180, Fax: (502) 564-5238, Email: jon.johnson@ky.gov
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jon Johnson Phone: (502) 782-8180 Email: jon.johnson@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Transportation; Inspections; Motor Vehicles
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This regulation establishes procedures for inspecting vehicles by certified motor vehicle inspectors and special inspectors.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
KRS 186A.020 requires the cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 186A. This amendment was required by amendments to KRS 186A.115 to allow sheriffs to appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer licensed under KRS Chapter 190 and doing business in the sheriff’s county.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This amendment adds provisions to allow dealerships or their employees to apply to become special inspectors for purposes of vehicle inspection. Specific requirements regarding training and applicants’ criminal history will be taken into consideration in the application process and any subsequent revocation. In addition, this amendment eliminates the requirement of being a Kentucky resident.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment will increase the number of inspectors in each county that will be able to inspect motor vehicles by including non-sheriff employed persons that qualify by training and application process to be become special inspectors.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment expands the group of people that can inspect vehicles for KYTC to include out-of-state persons. This amendment was required by amendments to KRS 186A.115 to allow sheriffs to appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer licensed under KRS Chapter 190 and doing business in the sheriff’s county.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This amendment was required by amendments to KRS 186A.115 to allow sheriffs to appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer licensed under KRS Chapter 190 and doing business in the sheriff’s county.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
It will comply with HB833/24RS, KRS 70.030 and KRS 186A.115.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment was required by amendments to KRS 70.030 and KRS 186A.115 to allow sheriffs to appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer licensed under KRS Chapter 190 and doing business in the sheriff’s county.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, HB833/24RS, KRS 70.030, and KRS186A.115.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
KYTC, Sheriffs’ Offices, Auto Dealerships (5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in the question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Sheriffs’ offices may appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer that is licensed under KRS Chapter 190 as a special inspector.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
No costs associated with this amendment.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
This will benefit the inspection process by allowing more persons to do inspections in the county. This will assist sheriffs, auto dealerships and their constituents.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
No costs associated with this amendment.
(b) On a continuing basis:
No costs associated with this amendment.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
N/A
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
N/A
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This amendment does not establish any fees or directly or indirectly increase any fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
No, tiering does not apply.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
. HB833/24RS, KRS 70.030, KRS 186A.115
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
HB833/24RS
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Sheriffs’ Offices
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
Sheriffs’ Offices
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Auto Dealerships
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
No fiscal impact to any entity listed.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
No fiscal impact to any entity listed.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
No major economic fiscal impact to any entity listed.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
No major economic fiscal impact to any entity listed.
TRANSPORTATION CABINET
Department of Vehicle Regulation
(Amendment)
601 KAR 9:090.Procedures for inspecting vehicles.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Roadworthiness" means "roadworthy condition" as defined by KRS 186A.510(8).(2)
"Salvage title" is defined by KRS 186A.520(1).Section 2.
Inspection of Vehicles Brought into Kentucky.(1)
If an owner of a vehicle brought into the state as established in KRS 186A.115 does not have the title to that vehicle available upon the vehicle's physical inspection for roadworthiness, the certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall be allowed to inspect the vehicle and complete the certified inspector section of the application for title.(2)
A certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall not sign or date the application for title of a vehicle brought into this state until the title for the vehicle being inspected is surrendered to the certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector for examination and verification.(3)
(a)
If the federal safety standard label on the door of the vehicle is missing or illegible, the certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall document this discrepancy on the application.(b)
The certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall certify the inspection by using the vehicle identification number plate and the corresponding number on the vehicle title document.Section 3.
Inspection of Rebuilt or Reconstructed Vehicles.(1)
A certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall inspect and certify a specially constructed or reconstructed vehicle if an outstanding motor vehicle title or manufacturers statement of origin document does not exist.(2)
A motor vehicle owner applying for a salvage title shall not be required to have a certified motor vehicle inspection.Section 4.
Procedures of Inspector.(1)
A certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall not inspect a vehicle if the inspector has an interest or ownership in the vehicle, or if the vehicle is owned by the inspector's immediate family.(2)
(a)
Before signing the certificate of inspection for a specially constructed or reconstructed vehicle, a certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall perform a physical inspection of the vehicle.(b)
A certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall insure that the vehicle complies with the equipment and safety requirements of KRS 189.010 through 189.210.(c)
The certified motor vehicle inspector or special inspector shall execute a certificate of inspection if the vehicle complies with the equipment and safety requirements established by KRS 189.010 through 189.210.APPROVED BY TRANSPORTATION CABINET:
REBECCA GOODMAN, Secretary
MATT COLE, Commissioner
APPROVED BY AGENCY: June 15, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: June 15, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on August 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. EST, at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) working days prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on August 31, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person below.
CONTACT PERSON: Jon Johnson, Staff Attorney Manager/Assistant General Counsel, Transportation Cabinet Office of Legal Services. 200 Mero Street Frankfort, Kentucky 40622. Telephone: (502) 782-8180, Fax: (502) 564-5238, Email: jon.johnson@ky.gov
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jon Johnson Phone: (502) 782-8180 Email: jon.johnson@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Transportation; Inspections; Motor Vehicles
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This regulation establishes procedures for inspecting vehicles by certified motor vehicle inspectors and special inspectors.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
KRS 186A.020 requires the cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 186A. This amendment was required by amendments to KRS 186A.115 to allow sheriffs to appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer licensed under KRS Chapter 190 and doing business in the sheriff’s county.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This amendment adds provisions to allow dealerships or their employees to apply to become special inspectors for purposes of vehicle inspection. Specific requirements regarding training and applicants’ criminal history will be taken into consideration in the application process and any subsequent revocation. In addition, this amendment eliminates the requirement of being a Kentucky resident.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment will increase the number of inspectors in each county that will be able to inspect motor vehicles by including non-sheriff employed persons that qualify by training and application process to be become special inspectors.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment expands the group of people that can inspect vehicles for KYTC to include out-of-state persons. This amendment was required by amendments to KRS 186A.115 to allow sheriffs to appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer licensed under KRS Chapter 190 and doing business in the sheriff’s county.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This amendment was required by amendments to KRS 186A.115 to allow sheriffs to appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer licensed under KRS Chapter 190 and doing business in the sheriff’s county.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
It will comply with HB833/24RS, KRS 70.030 and KRS 186A.115.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment was required by amendments to KRS 70.030 and KRS 186A.115 to allow sheriffs to appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer licensed under KRS Chapter 190 and doing business in the sheriff’s county.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, HB833/24RS, KRS 70.030, and KRS186A.115.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
KYTC, Sheriffs’ Offices, Auto Dealerships (5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in the question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Sheriffs’ offices may appoint up to two employees of a motor vehicle dealer that is licensed under KRS Chapter 190 as a special inspector.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
No costs associated with this amendment.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
This will benefit the inspection process by allowing more persons to do inspections in the county. This will assist sheriffs, auto dealerships and their constituents.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
No costs associated with this amendment.
(b) On a continuing basis:
No costs associated with this amendment.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
N/A
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
N/A
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This amendment does not establish any fees or directly or indirectly increase any fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
No, tiering does not apply.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
. HB833/24RS, KRS 70.030, KRS 186A.115
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
HB833/24RS
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Sheriffs’ Offices
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
Sheriffs’ Offices
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Auto Dealerships
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
No fiscal impact to any entity listed.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
No fiscal impact to any entity listed.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
No major economic fiscal impact to any entity listed.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
No major economic fiscal impact to any entity listed.