Kentucky

Kentucky Revised Statutes — Motor Vehicles (Ch. 186–189A)

575 sections, each with the official text and a plain-English explanation of what it means for you.

• § 186.005 — Policy on regulation and registration of vehicles -- License plates
• § 186.010 — Definitions for chapter
• § 186.014 — Branch offices for processing titling and registration transactions
• § 186.015 — Repealed, 1966
• § 186.016 — Cabinet may prescribe methods of record keeping
• § 186.017 — Transportation Cabinet to establish fees relating to titling and registering motor vehicles by administrative regulation
• § 186.018 — Driving history records of operators -- Fees
• § 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
• § 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
• § 186.023 — Title and registration cancelled upon notice of transfer from another jurisdiction
• § 186.025 — Cabinet to furnish list of owners of registered vehicles to Department of Revenue
• § 186.030 — Form of application
• § 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
• § 186.035 — Repealed, 1962
• § 186.038 — Authorized methods of payment -- Status of fees charged to a county clerk
• § 186.040 — Issuance of certificate of registration -- Plates -- Clerk's fee -- Donations to child care assistance account -- Additional fees and distribution
• § 186.041 — Special military-related license plates
• § 186.042 — Accessible parking registration plates and parking privileges for persons with certain disabilities -- Application procedure -- Issuance
• § 186.0422 — Display of international symbol of access on accessible parking registration plate
• § 186.0425 — Accessible parking registration plate for vehicle used to transport persons with a disability -- Extension of legal parking period
• § 186.043 — Special license plates for historic motor vehicles -- Permanent registration
• § 186.0435 — Display of vintage Kentucky license plates on historic vehicle
• § 186.044 — Repealed, 2000
• § 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
• § 186.047 — Repealed, 1986
• § 186.049 — Voluntary donation to the Kentucky Circuit Clerks' Trust for Life to promote organ donation
• § 186.050 — Registration fees -- Voluntary donation for wildlife management and conservation activities and the agricultural program trust fund -- Collection of electric vehicle ownership fees
• § 186.051 — Year-round registration system -- Cabinet may designate separate registration years -- Staggered registration system for commercial motor vehicles
• § 186.052 — Repealed, 2015
• § 186.053 — License for dealer-demonstrator trucks or tractors -- Fee -- Tags
• § 186.054 — Renumbered in part as KRS 186.281.
• § 186.055 — Repealed, 1966
• § 186.056 — Refund of portion of extra weight fees when ownership and use of vehicle are changed; refund or credit when use permanently discontinued
• § 186.057 — Repealed, 1987
• § 186.0571 — Repealed, April 1, 1987
• § 186.058 — Repealed, 1966
• § 186.059 — Operation of overweight commercial vehicle -- Ineligibility for exemption - - Department hearing -- Appeal
• § 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
• § 186.061 — Motor vehicles owned by nonprofit volunteer fire department, volunteer fire prevention unit, or volunteer fire protection unit
• § 186.065 — State-owned vehicles -- How marked -- Exceptions
• § 186.067 — Publicly owned vehicles, how marked -- Exceptions
• § 186.068 — Transit tag for transporting motor vehicle out of state -- Administrative regulations -- Exclusion of motor vehicle dealers and distributors
• § 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
• § 186.072 — Commercial motor vehicle temporary registration placard -- Application process -- Uses -- Record of use -- Activation
• § 186.073 — Commercial trailer temporary registration placard -- Application process - - Uses -- Record of use -- Activation
• § 186.074 — Repealed, 1982
• § 186.076 — Repealed, 1986
• § 186.077 — Street-legal special purpose vehicles -- Requirements -- Prohibitions -- Registration, inspection, and renewal -- Administrative regulations
• § 186.078 — Local government ordinance on operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles permitted
• § 186.080 — Repealed, 1950
• § 186.090 — Repealed, 1950
• § 186.100 — Repealed, 1950
• § 186.110 — Interchangeable bodies -- Fees
• § 186.115 — Registration of vehicle assembled from parts of wrecked or salvaged motor vehicles
• § 186.120 — Refund of portion of fee when motor vehicle destroyed
• § 186.130 — Proportionate fees for commercial vehicle operated after registration year began
• § 186.140 — Reciprocity for nonresidents
• § 186.145 — Registration of nonresident by use of copy of registration or title document
• § 186.150 — Residents not to use license of other states
• § 186.160 — Motor numbers essential to registration -- Assignment of number
• § 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
• § 186.163 — Special license plates for specified military units -- Qualifications -- Proof required
• § 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
• § 186.165 — Exchange of one special license plate for another -- Transfer of special license plate to another vehicle
• § 186.166 — Perpetual production of certain special license plates -- Design of Purple Heart license plates
• § 186.167 — Repealed, 2019
• § 186.168 — Voluntary contributions to veterans' program trust fund upon registering vehicle
• § 186.170 — Retention of receipt -- Display of registration plates -- Registration years
• § 186.1701 — Repealed, 2000
• § 186.1702 — Repealed, 2000
• § 186.171 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.172 — Special license plates for firefighters
• § 186.1721 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1722 — I Support Veterans special license plate
• § 186.1723 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1724 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1725 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.1726 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.1727 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.173 — Repealed, 2000
• § 186.1731 — Repealed, 2000
• § 186.1732 — Repealed, 2000
• § 186.1733 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.174 — Personalized license plates
• § 186.175 — Repealed, 1966
• § 186.1751 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.176 — Repealed, 1972
• § 186.1761 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1765 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.177 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1775 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.178 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.179 — Repealed, 2005
• § 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
• § 186.181 — Seizure of canceled plates by Department of Kentucky State Police
• § 186.182 — Repealed, 2000
• § 186.1831 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1835 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.184 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.185 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.186 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1861 — Repealed, 2000
• § 186.1862 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.1863 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.1864 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.1865 — Repealed, 1997 Catchline at repeal: Special Kentucky Tech license plates.
• § 186.18651 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1866 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.1867 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1868 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.18685 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.1869 — Repealed, 2003
• § 186.187 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.188 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.189 — Repealed, 2005
• § 186.190 — Change of registration upon transfer of ownership -- Permitted registration plate transfers -- Clerk's fee
• § 186.191 — Repealed, 1982
• § 186.1911 — Replacement of vehicle identification number -- Fee
• § 186.192 — Evidence required of excise tax payment
• § 186.193 — Evidence required of ad valorem tax payment
• § 186.195 — Repealed, 1964
• § 186.200 — Contents of bill of sale
• § 186.210 — False statements in applications prohibited -- Possession of plates and receipts
• § 186.220 — Repealed, 1950
• § 186.230 — County clerk's duties -- Lien on vehicle, effect -- Issuance of plate without collecting taxes and fees prohibited
• § 186.232 — Registration not transferable until taxes paid, lien released, and proof of insurance and notarized affidavit presented
• § 186.235 — Repealed, 1982
• § 186.240 — Cabinet to furnish forms and plates -- Records -- Receipts -- Reflectorized license plate program fund -- Use of receipts -- Accounting by clerk -- Audit
• § 186.245 — Posting of notice about 2006 increases in fees of county clerks
• § 186.250 — Repealed, 1962
• § 186.260 — Arrests and bail for violations
• § 186.270 — City license taxes on trucks, tractors and trailers -- Notice of new or increased tax
• § 186.275 — Repealed, 1966
• § 186.276 — Repealed, 1998
• § 186.280 — Repealed, 1966
• § 186.281 — Repealed, 2015
• § 186.285 — Repealed, 1966
• § 186.286 — Repealed, 2015
• § 186.290 — Information on motor vehicle emissions test status and compliance
• § 186.400 — Duties of Transportation Cabinet -- Administration of laws
• § 186.401 — Definitions for KRS 186.400 to 186.640
• § 186.402 — Statement of legislative intent relating to young drivers
• § 186.403 — Voluntary travel ID instruction permits, operator's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification cards -- Application -- Fees -- Issuance -- Administrative regulations
• § 186.405 — Registration with United States Selective Service System -- Duties of cabinet
• § 186.407 — Annual report on identity document issuance
• § 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
• § 186.4101 — Renewal of license -- Reconciliation of four-year and eight-year renewal periods
• § 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
• § 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
• § 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 --
• § 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
• § 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 o
• § 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
• § 186.4124 — Definitions for section -- Administrative regulations -- Third-party application processors for identity documents -- Eligibility -- Fees
• § 186.4125 — Documentation required for voluntary travel ID
• § 186.413 — Repealed, 2002
• § 186.414 — Repealed, 1978
• § 186.415 — Application for operator's license by military enlistee -- Conditions
• § 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
• § 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
• § 186.418 — Voluntary statewide child identification program -- Travel ID child identification -- Fee -- Term of child identification card
• § 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
• § 186.420 — Exemption of operators of road or farm machinery and persons in Armed Forces
• § 186.430 — Exemptions from Kentucky operator's license requirement
• § 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
• § 186.440 — Persons ineligible for operator's license -- Reinstatement fee
• § 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
• § 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
• § 186.445 — Repealed, 1950
• § 186.447 — Motorcycle operator's license restriction -- Three-wheeled motorcycles
• § 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 r
• § 186.452 — Intermediate license to operate a motor vehicle
• § 186.454 — Intermediate license holder application process
• § 186.455 — Repealed, 1958
• § 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
• § 186.460 — Repealed, 1958
• § 186.470 — Application of minor -- Renewal of minor's license or permit -- Consent to release of academic information to cabinet -- Cancellation
• § 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
• § 186.490 — Repealed, 2023
• § 186.495 — Repealed, 2019
• § 186.500 — Repealed, 1958
• § 186.510 — License to be in possession and to be shown on demand
• § 186.520 — Duplicate license
• § 186.530 — Repealed, 1948
• § 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
• § 186.5315 — Repealed, 2019
• § 186.535 — Earmark of funds from operator's license and motorcycle registration fees
• § 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
• § 186.550 — Courts to report convictions and send licenses to cabinet -- Exception for offenses committed under KRS Chapter 189A
• § 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
• § 186.565 — Repealed, 1991
• § 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
• § 186.572 — Assessment of penalty points for speeding on limited access highway
• § 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
• § 186.575 — Repealed, 1956
• § 186.576 — Definitions for KRS 186.576 to 186.579
• § 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 co
• § 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 fa
• § 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
• § 186.580 — Appeals