Vehicle Code in Kentucky

Access the Kentucky Vehicle Code

The Kentucky legislature provides an online version of the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), which includes vehicle codes. This is beneficial because being familiar with, or at least being able to research, vehicle codes can come in handy should you need to find out about laws that pertain to the roadways or driving.

Reading the Kentucky motor vehicle code can help you gain a better understanding of the traffic law that led to your citation and help you determine whether or not you can make a case to contest your ticket.

The KY vehicle code is a great way to educate yourself of the exact language that dictates your driver's license, driving privilege, and vehicle regulations. If you need legal advice, you should consider contacting a lawyer.

Title XV: Public Roads

Title XV of the KRS covers codes regarding roads, waterways, and aviation. You can find definitions, duties, funds, and penalties in the following chapters that relate specifically to public roads:

Title XVI: Motor Vehicles

Title XVI of the KRS covers codes regarding motor vehicles. The following chapters contain the most commonly sought information by drivers:

Chapter 186: Licensing of Motor Vehicles, Operators, and Trailers: Covers general provisions, motor vehicle licenses, operator's license, habitual violators, registration of trailers, nonresident violators' compact, penalties, etc.
Chapter 186 A: Automated Motor Vehicle Registration System: Covers all automated registration and titling options, requirements, and processes, as well as liens, fees, taxes, exemptions, damaged vehicles, penalties, etc.
Chapter 187: Financial Responsibility Law: Covers operating records, court reporting of unpaid judgments and convictions, satisfaction of judgments, suspension, installment payments, transfer of suspended registration, government-owned vehicles, insurance, penalties, etc.
Chapter 188: Service of Process on Nonresident Motorists: Covers service of summon and complaint actions, continuances, application of process provisions to resident becoming nonresident, etc.
Chapter 189: Traffic Regulations, Vehicle Equipment and Storage: Covers vehicle equipment, use of vehicle lights, child restraints, vehicle height, weight, and length limits, special permits, government trucks and trailers, motorcycles and bicycles, traffic rules, parking rules, slow-moving vehicles, emergency vehicles, public safety vehicles, penalties, etc.
Chapter 189 A: Driving Under the Influence: Covers terms and conditions, penalties, hardship licenses, etc.
Chapter 190: Motor Vehicle Sales: Covers license requirements, grounds for denial, suspension, and revocation, franchise information, manufacturer and distributor information, damages, public records, installment sales contracts, odometers, penalties, etc.

Check Your KY Driver's License Status

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver's license, you can order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver's license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what's on record at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This report will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

For more information, please visit our page on Driving Records in Kentucky.