Title 601 | Chapter 023 | Regulation 070REG


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TRANSPORTATION CABINET
Department of Vehicle Regulation
Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
(New Administrative Regulation)

601 KAR 23:070.Street-legal special purpose vehicles.

Section 1.

Definitions.

(1)

"Cabinet" means the Transportation Cabinet.

(2)

"Local government" means a city, county, charter county government, urban-county government, consolidated local government, or unified local government.

(3)

"Low-speed vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is not considered a street-legal special purpose vehicle under this regulation, as defined in KRS 186.010.

(4)

"Kentucky certified inspector" means an inspector certified by the Department of Vehicle Regulation.

(5)

"Proof of ownership" means that the owner has provided either a current title to the vehicle, MCO, manufacturer's certificate of origin, bill of sale, or affidavit of ownership.

(6)

"Special purpose vehicle (SPV)" 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. This does not include a low-speed vehicle as defined in KRS 186.010.

(7)

"Street-legal special purpose vehicle (SLSPV)" means a special purpose vehicle that meets the safety and registration requirements to operate on public highways, is not a low-speed vehicle as defined in KRS 186.010, and is equipped with:

(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 electronic turn system, one (1) on each side of the front of the vehicle;

(g)

An 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.

Section 2.

Registration Requirements.

(1)

All SLSPVs shall be registered with the Department of Vehicle Regulation.

(2)

The SLSPVs shall be registered with the county clerk in the county where the owner resides or if not owned by a local resident, the county clerk in the county where the street-legal SPV is principally operated.

(3)

The registration fee shall be ten (10) dollars per year pursuant to KRS 186.050.

(4)

SLSPVs shall be plated with a motorcycle registration plate.

(5)

Proof of insurance, as required under KRS 304.39-110, shall be submitted at the time of registration and shall be insured as a motorcycle.

(6)

Registration applications shall include:

(a)

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN);

(b)

Make, model, and year of the SLSPV;

(c)

Owner's full name and address; and

(d)

Proof of vehicle safety compliance with proof of inspection, pursuant to 601 KAR 9:090, by a Kentucky certified inspector with detailed checklist verifying the SLSPV meets the safety equipment requirements of Section 4 of this administrative regulation.

Section 3.

Operating Restrictions.

(1)

SLSPVs may operate on public highways, subject to the following conditions:

(a)

Operation is prohibited on highways located within the jurisdictional boundaries of a local government where operation of SLSPVs is not allowed by local ordinance.

(b)

Operation is prohibited on controlled-access systems, including interstates or parkways.

(c)

Operation is prohibited where the United States Department of Agriculture prohibits SLSPVs.

(d)

SLSPVs are prohibited from traveling a distance greater than twenty (20) miles on a highway displaying centerline pavement markings.

(2)

Operators shall obey all traffic laws and carry proof of registration and insurance.

Section 4.

Vehicle Safety Requirements.

(1)

A SLSPV shall be equipped with:

(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 electronic turn system, one (1) on each side of the front of the vehicle;

(g)

An 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.

(2)

The vehicle shall pass an annual safety inspection conducted by a Kentucky certified inspector.

Section 5.

Compliance and Enforcement.

(1)

Law enforcement officers shall verify the compliance of SLSPVs pursuant to this administrative regulation.

(2)

The license plate shall be the same size as the Kentucky motorcycle license plate.

(3)

SLSPV may be equipped with a motorcycle temporary tag.

(4)

Failure to comply with the registration, operation, and equipment requirements shall result in a citation and potential fines as established in KRS Chapter 186.

(5)

Repeat offenders may face suspension or revocation of SLSPV registration.

Section 6.

Appeals and Hearings.

(1)

An owner cited for non-compliance may request a hearing within thirty (30) days of the citation issuance.

(2)

The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.

Section 7.

Severability. If any provision of this administrative regulation is found invalid, the remaining sections shall remain in effect.

Section 8.

Incorporation by Reference.

(1)

The following material is incorporated by reference:

(a)

"Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration", TC 96-182, (01/2024 Edition); and

(b)

"Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicle Inspection", TC 96-365, (06/2025 Edition).

(2)

This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Transportation Cabinet Office Building, Department of Vehicle Regulation, 2nd Floor, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

(3)

This material is also available on Transportation Cabinet's website at drive.ky.gov.

HISTORY: COMPILER'S NOTE: 2025 RS HB 6, enacted by the General Assembly on March 27, 2025, altered the information to be provided at the time an administrative regulation is filed. Aside from formatting changes necessary to upload the regulation into the LRC's publication application, this regulation has been published as submitted by the agency.

JIM GRAY, Secretary
MATTHEW COLE, Commissioner
APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 9, 2025
FILED WITH LRC: July 10, 2025 at 2:15 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on September 22, 2024, at 11:00 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 September 30, 2024. 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, phone (502) 564-7650, fax (502) 564-5238, email jon.johnson@ky.gov.

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jon Johnson
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes procedures for inspection, registration, operation, and compliance of street-legal special purpose vehicles (SLSPVs) on designated public roadways in Kentucky.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is being promulgated to meet a deadline established by 2025 legislation.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This administrative regulation establishes procedures for inspection, registration, operation, and compliance of street-legal special purpose vehicles (SLSPVs) on designated public roadways in Kentucky.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This regulation will allow procedures for inspection, registration, operation and compliance of street-legal special purpose vehicles (SLSPVs).
(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 is a new regulation.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This is a new regulation.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This is a new regulation.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This is a new regulation.
(3) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This regulation will affect state and local governments, as well as individuals and businesses selling, maintaining, and selling insurance (SLSPV’s).
(4) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (3) 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 (3) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Local governments will have to define and authorize ordinances to allow SLSPV’s. Other state and local government agencies will inspect and implement laws for compliance and safety of operations. Other businesses like insurance agencies will provide necessary support for operation and will issue proper insurance. Consumers will act to sale purchase and license and operate SLSPV’s. The local governments will have to approve and authorize operation and location of SPV usage. They will also have inspection services in place to insure proper SLSPV vehicle features, condition and insurance. Owner operators will comply with this regulation in order operate SLSPV vehicles pursuant to this regulation pursuant to statutory authority.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (3):
Costs will vary depending on inspection fees and insurance costs. The local inspection fees are established in this regulation. Insurance premiums will be determined by market factors.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (3):
These entities will be a part of a growing market that will expand local economies proportionate to usage. The benefits will also inure to the public by expansion of local use and needs for SLSPV vehicles.
(5) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
Other than normal cost to create a new license plate, $2,500, there should be no additional cost.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There is no cost associated with implementing this administrative regulation.
(6) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation:
No source of funding is required.
(7) 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:
There are no fees involved to implement this regulation.
(8) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation does not establish any fees or directly or indirectly increase any fees.
(9) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering does not apply. No tiering is required.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS Chapter 186
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
This administrative regulation is being promulgated to meet a deadline established by 2025 legislation.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, local governments, local and state law enforcement.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
$2,500
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Normal $9 motorcycle registration fee plus $1.
For subsequent years:
Normal $9 motorcycle registration fee plus $1.
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):
County Clerks and County Sheriffs.
(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:
$25 per vehicle inspection to the Sheriff
For subsequent years:
$25 per vehicle inspection to the Sheriff
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):
None
(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:
This regulation shall not have any fiscal impact.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The review of the statutory authority shows a $1 registration fee increase per vehicle using a motorcycle size registration license plate.
(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(13):
This regulation will not have a fiscal impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Registration and renewals will be used in the future. No data is available currently to reach a conclusion

7-Year Expiration: 7/11/2032

Last Updated: 7/16/2025


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