Title XVI, Motor Vehicles

It is the goal of the General Assembly to improve traffic safety and reduce traffic accident injuries and fatalities by controlling a young driver's exposure and progressively moving the driver into more difficult driving experiences prior to full licensure.

driver's licenses, and personal identification cards -- Application -- Fees -- Issuance -- Administrative regulations. (1) The Transportation Cabinet shall develop a system of issuing voluntary travel ID instruction permits, operator's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and …

cabinet. (1) Any United States male citizen or immigrant who is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-six (26) years of age shall be registered for the United States Selective Service System when applying to the Transportation Cabinet for the issuance, renewal,…

(1) Beginning no later than October 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, the cabinet shall report to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation on identity document issuance at each regional licensing office. (2) The report requ…

cards -- Driver training programs -- Application for travel ID or standard document -- Owner of motor vehicle considered operator when fully autonomous vehicle system engaged. (1) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, every person not exempted by KRS 186.420 and 1…

periods. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a license to operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped, or a personal identification card shall be renewed every eight (8) years prior to its expiration. Except as provided in KRS 186.410, a person seeking to …

personal identification card -- Identification number -- Age and organ donor designations -- Voluntary travel ID identity document -- When photograph not required. (1) Except as provided in subsection (9) of this section, the Transportation Cabinet shall issue operator's licenses…

-- Notice and hearing -- Option for determination of ability by medical review board. (1) If a person with a seizure condition applies for an original, duplicate, modified, or renewal operator's license, or applies for an instruction permit, he or she shall be required by the cab…

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. (1) As used in this section, "applicant" means a…

citizen or permanent resident -- Immigration status and personal identity documentation and verification -- Renewal or duplicate license -- Term of license. (1) As used in this section, "applicant" means a person who: (a) Is not a United States citizen; (b) Has not been granted s…

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. (1) As used in this section…

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. (1) As used in this section, "app…

application processors for identity documents -- Eligibility -- Fees. (1) As used in this section: (a) "Identity document" means an operator's license or personal identification card issued under KRS 186.4102, 186.412, 186.4121, 186.4122, or 186.4123; and (b) "Third-party entity"…

In order to apply for a voluntary travel ID identity document under KRS 186.403, the applicant shall present: (1) The applicant's certified birth certificate; (2) A valid, unexpired, United States passport or Permanent Resident Card (Form I- 551); or (3) For persons who meet the …

(1) Notwithstanding KRS 186.450, 186.452, and 186.454, a person who is under eighteen (18) years of age may apply for an operator's license if the person has: (a) Held an instruction permit for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days; and (b) Enlisted in the United States Arme…

military personnel and spouse and dependents stationed outside of Kentucky -- Veteran's designation on operator's license or personal ID card -- Administrative regulations. (Effective July 15, 2026) (1) If a resident of the Commonwealth currently serving in the United States mili…

felon -- Documentation required -- Processing and issuance -- Administrative regulations governing operator's licenses for eligible current inmates. (1) The Transportation Cabinet shall issue to any felony offender, if the felony offender is eligible, released from the Kentucky D…

identification -- Fee -- Term of child identification card. (1) The Transportation Cabinet shall implement a voluntary statewide child identification program. The program shall issue a photo personal identification card to a child two (2) to fifteen (15) years of age. (2) A paren…

or identification card -- Administrative regulations -- Proof of physical address and citizenship or immigration status. (1) In addition to the information required under KRS 186.412, 186.4121, 186.4122, and 186.4123, an applicant for a voluntary travel ID instruction permit, ope…

Forces. (1) No person need obtain an operator's license to operate a road roller, road machinery or any tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily drawn or propelled on the highways. (2) Every person in the service of the Army, Navy or Marine Corps of the United States, when f…

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) or (6) of this section, a person over the age of sixteen (16) who is a United States citizen and who is not a resident of Kentucky may drive in Kentucky for a period of time not to exceed one (1) year from the date the person enters Kentuc…

resident -- Verification of status in other jurisdiction -- Procedures for permanent residents -- Application of driver who becomes Kentucky resident. (1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a licensed driver who becomes a Kentucky resident shall, within thirty …

An operator's license shall not be granted to: (1) Any person who is not a resident of Kentucky; (2) Any person under the age of sixteen (16); (3) Any person under the age of eighteen (18) who holds a valid Kentucky instruction permit issued pursuant to KRS 186.450, but who has n…

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. (1) The Transportation Cabinet shall, before issuing or rene…

-- Procedures -- Medical report may supersede medical review board -- Authority of cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations -- Prohibition against age-based licensing limitations -- Appeal. (1) A medical review board shall be established to receive cases relating to the a…

The Transportation Cabinet shall establish a restriction on motorcycle operator's licenses which limits the operator to the operation of a three (3) wheeled motorcycle only.

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 responsibility for them. (1) A person who is at least fi…

(1) Except as provided in KRS 186.415, a person who is under eighteen (18) years of age may apply for an intermediate license to operate a motor vehicle if the person has: (a) Attained the age of sixteen (16) years; (b) Held an instruction permit a minimum of one hundred eighty (…

(1) Except as provided in KRS 186.415, a person with an intermediate license who is under the age of eighteen (18) years may apply for an operator's license to operate a motor vehicle if the person has: (a) Attained the age of seventeen (17) years; (b) Held an intermediate licens…

testing is not offered -- Administration by Department of Kentucky State Police -- Report. (1) As used in this section, "state police" means the Department of Kentucky State Police. (2) From September 1, 2024, until December 31, 2028, the state police shall operate a pilot progra…

release of academic information to cabinet -- Cancellation. (1) (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection, the application of any minor under the age of eighteen (18) for an operator's license, motorcycle operator's license, intermediate license, or any …

Vision test to be administered in compliance with KRS 186.577 -- Exemptions - - Road skills test. (1) The Department of Kentucky State Police shall examine every applicant for an operator's license as identified in KRS 186.635, except as otherwise provided in this section. The ex…

The General Assembly finds that purchasers when buying vehicles are entitled to know if the vehicle has sustained prior severe damage. The most feasible mechanism for conveying that information is a designation on the title that the vehicle has previously sustained severe damage …

As used in KRS 186A.500 to 186A.550, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Brand" means a designation that is affixed as required by this chapter, or that has previously been affixed, to a motor vehicle title that establishes a portion of the history of the motor vehicle an…

The licensee shall have his or her license in his or her immediate possession at all times when driving a motor vehicle and shall display it upon demand to a peace officer, a member of the Department of Kentucky State Police, or a field deputy or inspector of the Department of Ve…

salvage title. (1) Except as provided in KRS 186A.555, a salvage title shall be obtained by the owner of a motor vehicle that meets the following definition of a salvage vehicle: (a) 1. A vehicle that has been wrecked, destroyed, or damaged, to the extent that the total estimated…

(1) A person whose license has been legitimately lost or destroyed, shall apply to the Transportation Cabinet in order to make application for a duplicate license. The person shall furnish satisfactory proof by affidavit substantiating the loss or destruction when applying for a …

If a motor vehicle had a brand previously affixed to its title or previously has been issued a salvage title in this or any other jurisdiction, the applicant for a title for that motor vehicle may, at the time of the application, notify the Transportation Cabinet of the prior exi…

settlements for salvage vehicles -- Disclosure of title brand by owner or dealer - - Voidability of sale without disclosure -- Exemption -- Administrative regulations. (1) The owner of a motor vehicle that meets the definition of a salvage vehicle as set forth in KRS 186A.520(1) …

not to be assessed for personal identification cards -- Voluntary donation to organ donor program -- Acceptance of payment methods. (1) As used in this section: (a) "GF" means the general fund; (b) "IP" means instruction permit; (c) "License Fund" or "LF" means the KYTC photo lic…

(1) The owner of a motor vehicle that meets the definition of a classic motor vehicle project may apply for a classic motor vehicle project certificate of title, which shall: (a) Bear on the face of the title the words "CLASSIC MOTOR VEHICLE PROJECT--NOT FOR ROAD USE"; and (b) No…

(1) From the portion of the fee for each eight (8) year original or renewal operator's license which is assigned to the photo license account under KRS 186.531, two dollars ($2) shall be credited to a special account within the road fund, and shall be used exclusively by the Tran…

(1) An individual, or a dealer required to be licensed pursuant to KRS Chapter 190, shall disclose all damages to a motor vehicle: (a) Of which the individual or the dealer has direct knowledge; (b) Which result in repairs, for items other than wheels, tires, or glass, that excee…

address or name -- No charge for corrected identity document if street name or postal address changed or if document contains error. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, when any person, after applying for or receiving an operator's license or person…

requirement of uniformity, if imposed. Notwithstanding the provisions of KRS 186A.510, 186A.520, and 186A.530, if the United States Department of Transportation requires a uniform method for titling salvage and junk vehicles, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate a…

offenses committed under KRS Chapter 189A. (1) Except for offenses committed under KRS Chapter 189A, the clerk of any court having jurisdiction over offenses committed under motor vehicle laws shall report upon a form furnished by the cabinet the conviction, pleas or forfeiture o…

and January 1, 2027) (1) Notwithstanding KRS 186A.500 to 186A.550, the owner of a motor vehicle that has been damaged solely by hail shall have the regular title of the vehicle branded as follows "Hail Damage" if: (a) The vehicle is in a condition that it can be legally operated …

or denial -- Prohibition against reductions of certain revocations or denials -- Limited exception relating to enrollment in alcohol or substance abuse education or treatment programs. (1) The cabinet shall forthwith revoke the license of any operator of a motor vehicle upon rece…

of certificate -- Medical review board -- Prohibition against raising insurance on basis of denial or suspension for child support arrearage. (1) The cabinet or its agent designated in writing for that purpose may deny any person an operator's license or may suspend the operator'…

Conviction for any one (1) of the following moving hazardous violations on a limited access highway or a limited access highway of four (4) or more lanes in Kentucky on which the speed limit is sixty-five (65) mph or higher shall be cause for assessment of the penalty points indi…