Local governments are considering whether to opt-in for a new state law that allows special purpose vehicles to be operated on a highway.
The Kentucky General Assembly passed SB 63, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm (R-Laurel), during the 2025 legislative session. It takes effect June 27.
The measure permits counties and cities to enact an ordinance allowing the operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles on highways within their jurisdictional boundaries. Local governments also may adopt more stringent local regulations on vehicle safety equipment and operation than the state regulation.
Special purpose vehicles include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), minitrucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles and full-size special purpose-built vehicles. Low-speed vehicles as defined in KRS 186.010 are not included in SB 63.
To be a street-legal special purpose vehicle, the vehicle must be equipped with essential safety features, be registered, insured and pass an inspection. SB 63 establishes a $10 annual registration fee and a $25 fee for the certified inspection, to be paid to the sheriff’s office prior to titling.
The new law prohibits these vehicles on interstates and parkways and prohibits traveling more 20 miles on a highway displaying centerline pavement markings.
Vehicles primarily used for farm or agricultural activities are exempt from being classified as street-legal special purpose vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety equipment is required for a special purpose vehicle to be considered “street-legal”?
Street-legal special purpose vehicles must be equipped with the following:
- One or more headlamps
- One or more tail lamps
- One or more brake lamps
- A trail lamp or other lamp constructed and placed to illuminate the registration plate with a white light
- One or more red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle
- An amber electric turn system, one on each side of the front of the vehicle
- Amber or red electric turn signals on the rear of the vehicle
- A braking system, other than a parking brake
- A horn or other warning device
- A working muffler
- Rearview mirrors on the right and left side of the driver
- A windshield, unless the operator of the vehicle wears eye protection while operating the vehicle
- A speedometer, illuminated for nighttime operation
- A roll bar or roll cage
- For multi-passenger vehicles a seatbelt assembly that conforms to the federal motor vehicle safety standard for each designated seating position
- Tires that have at least 2/32nd of an inch or greater tire tread
In addition to the mandatory statutory safety equipment requirements listed above, counties can mandate additional safety equipment.
Are special purpose vehicles primarily used for farm or agricultural activities impacted by this legislation?
No, vehicles primarily used for farm or agricultural activities are exempt from being classified as street-legal special purpose vehicles and will not be impacted by the legislation.
When does this legislation take effect?
SB 63 takes effect June 27, 2025.
If my county does not pass an ordinance, will street-legal special purpose vehicles be allowed on the roads within the county jurisdiction?
No, the bill establishes an opt-in process for counties to choose to allow street-legal special purpose vehicles. If a county does not pass an ordinance, street-legal special purpose vehicles will not be allowed on roads within the county jurisdiction.
Counties can allow street-legal special purpose vehicles on all eligible roads within their jurisdiction or can choose specific roads where these vehicles will be allowed or disallowed.
Does KACo have a sample county ordinance authorizing the use of street-legal special purpose vehicles?
Yes, click here to download a sample ordinance.
NOTE: The KY Transportation Cabinet’s SB 63 regulation is not due until June 27, this legislation’s effective date. The Transportation Cabinet regulation could invalidate all or some of the following draft ordinance. If a county adopts this draft ordinance or some other SB 63 ordinance prior to the Transportation Cabinet’s regulations being promulgated, the county will need to review the regulations to determine if their ordinance has been invalidated.
