Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicles and Cities
During the 2025 Legislative Session, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 63. Sponsored by Senator Brandon Storm (R-London), SB 63 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 186 allowing street-legal special purpose vehicles to operate on highways in Kentucky, provided that certain conditions are met.
SB 63 goes into effect on June 27, 2025, and the Transportation Cabinet is required to promulgate administrative regulations to implement SB 63. Here is what cities need to know:
What is A Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicle?
SB 63 defines a "street-legal special purpose vehicle" as an all-terrain vehicle (ATVs), utility terrain vehicle (UTVs), minitruck, pneumatic-tired military vehicle, or full-size special purpose-built vehicle (including self-constructed or modified vehicles) that meets specific equipment requirements. These requirements include:
- Headlamps, tail lamps, and brake lamps
- Rear red reflectors and a license plate light
- Turn signals (amber or red)
- Braking system (excluding parking brake)
- Horn or warning device
- Working muffler
- Rearview mirrors on both sides
- Windshield or eye protection for the operator
- Illuminated speedometer
- Roll bar or roll cage
- Seat belts conforming to federal standards for each seating position
- Tires with at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth
- Vehicles primarily used for farm or agricultural activities and “low-speed vehicles,” or four-wheeled motor vehicles designed to not operate over 25 mph, are excluded from this classification.
Registration and Compliance
To legally operate on public highways, these vehicles must be registered annually, insured by the owner in the same form and amounts as required for motorcycles, comply with all other Kentucky motor vehicle licensing requirements, and pass inspection by a certified inspector prior to registration.
Can Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicles Operate on City Highways?
By default, street-legal special purpose vehicles are prohibited on highways within city jurisdiction. Local governments can “opt in” to permit these vehicles to operate on city highways by adopting an ordinance that allows them to do so. Additionally, cities can impose more stringent safety and operation regulations on the vehicles than are imposed under statute, such as limiting operation of these vehicles to highways with a speed limit of less than 45 mph or requiring helmets to be worn.
Any city interested in enacting an ordinance should review the codified statutes and forthcoming administrative regulations to ensure that they are compliant.
For additional guidance on SB 63, including a model ordinance, contact KLC Director of Government Affairs, Gracie Kelly.
