New Kentucky Law Allows ATVs to Become Street Legal -- Green Plates Now Available

A new Kentucky law now allows special-purpose vehicles, such as side-by-sides and certain all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), to become street-legal -- if they meet a long list of safety requirements and pass official inspections. 

]Jackson County Sheriff Daniel Isaacs said his office has already seen a number of residents coming in to have their vehicles inspected. 
"We've had several folks stopping by looking to get their side-by-sides legal," said Sheriff Isaacs. "We just want to remind everyone to make sure their vehicle is equipped with the necessary safety features before coming in for inspection." 

To qualify as a Street Legal Special Purpose Vehicle (SLSPV), the ATV must be outfitted with specific safety equipment. This includes working headlights, tail and brake lights, turn signals (front and rear), mirrors, a horn, muffler, speedometer, roll cage or bar, a windshield (or eye protection for the operator), and more. Multi-passenger vehicles must also have federally compliant seatbelts. 
Tires must have at least two thirty-seconds (2/32) of an inch or greater tread to pass. 

County Clerk Donald "Duck" Moore said his office is experiencing a few residents seeking to title and license these vehicles. 
Moore indicated that to get your green plate, you'll need a sheriff's inspection, your title or bill of sale, and Kentucky proof of insurance. "We're happy to help walk anyone through the process." Moore seemed to think the cost of insurance required before being able to fully register the special-purpose vehicle may be a deterrent to several residents. 

Residents should be aware that not every city or county has adopted the SLSPV ordinance, which means these vehicles are not permitted on all public roads statewide. Legal SLSPVs will be issued a special green license plate and will be subject to the same yearly Ad Valorem tax as standard motor vehicles.

SLSPV Requirements for Street Legality: 
 One (1) or more headlamps 
 One (1) or more tail lamps 
 One (1) or more brake lamps 
 A trail lamp or other lamp constructed to illuminate the registration plate with a white light 
 One (1) or more red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle 
 An amber electric turn system, one (1) on each side of the front 
 Amber or red electric turn signals on the rear 
 A braking system (not including a parking brake) 
 A horn or other warning device 
 A working muffler 
 Rearview mirrors on both the right and left sides of the driver 
 A windshield, unless the operator wears eye protection while driving 
 A speedometer illuminated for nighttime operation 
 A roll bar or roll cage 
 For multi-passenger vehicles, federally compliant seatbelt assemblies for all seating positions 
 Tires with at least two thirty-seconds (2/32) of an inch or greater tread 
What You Need to License Your SLSPV: 
 Sheriff's inspection ($25) 
 Title/Certificate of Origin or Bill of Sale 
 Kentucky proof of insurance 

REMEMBER: 

 Once registered, you must pay usage tax and will receive a yearly Ad Valorem tax bill 
 Not all counties or cities have adopted the SLSPV ordinance 
 SLSPVs will display a special green license plate