Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC) can help you if you’re confused about the registration and insurance requirements for your two-wheeled vehicle. Contact the title and registration department at (502) 564-5301 or the insurance department at (800) 595-6053.

Below is how the state defines motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles:

• Motorcycle ―A motorcycle is a motorized bicycle with an engine of 50 cc or more and the ability to travel faster than 30 mph. You must register and insure your motorcycle to operate it on state roads.

• Moped ―Similar to a motorcycle, a moped is a motorized bicycle; however, the transmission is automatic, the engine is less than 50 cc, and the moped can travel no faster than 30 mph. If you plan to operate your moped on state roads, you must register and insure it.

• Scooter ―A scooter is usually smaller than a motorcycle or moped in size and engine capacity, and it also has an automatic transmission. The state doesn’t require you to register or insure your scooter.

Kentucky Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles

You must meet the state’s financial responsibility requirements if you want to register and operate your motorcycle or moped on state roads. This means you must purchase liability coverage, and you have the option of purchasing no-fault coverage.

Liability Coverage

When you purchase liability insurance from a state-licensed insurance carrier, make sure you policy includes the following amounts of coverage:

• $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person in an accident

• $50,000 for all bodily injuries per accident

• $10,000 pf property damage liability per accident

Optionally, you can also add additional types of coverage that exceed state requirements but provide more protection.

No-Fault Coverage

As with four-wheeled private passenger vehicles, no-fault personal injury coverage is optional for motorcycles and mopeds. When you have no-fault insurance, your coverage provides up to $10,000 of financial compensation when someone is injured and acquires medical bills, loses employment wages, or needs replacement services―regardless of who caused the accident.

Keep in mind, having no-fault coverage limits your right to sue the responsible party should you be involved in an accident. You can learn more about the necessary steps to avoid no-fault insurance from the Kentucky Office of Insurance (KOI) or your insurance carrier.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Every motorcycle operator or passenger younger than 21 must wear a safety helmet. Having copious amounts of motorcycle insurance doesn’t change this law.

Electronic Reporting

Whenever you purchase insurance, your carrier must electronically report your coverage information to the KOI and Department of Motor Vehicle Regulation (DMVR).

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

Because your carrier reports your insurance information, state departments dealing with vehicles, registration, and insurance have your coverage on record.

However, the state doesn’t require carriers to report any cancellations or non-renewals, so you must be able to show proof of insurance whenever asked. This means carrying your insurance card with you at all times and presenting it to law enforcement officers or whenever you renew or transfer a vehicle’s registration.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Penalties for having no proof of insurance include hefty fines and revocation of your driver’s license and registration.

For more information about financial responsibility requirements, or what to do if you owe fines and need to reinstate your license and registration, contact the KOI at (800) 595-6053 or the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing at (502) 564-5301.