LC FISCAL COURT APPROVES FIRST READING OF THE SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES ON ROADWAYS…See Video
By Susan Salyer
Lawrence County Fiscal Court had a Special Meeting on August 1, 2025 at 9AM at the LC Courthouse, 122 S. Main Cross Street, Downtown 2nd Floor, Louisa, Kentucky 41230. LC Judge Executive Phillip Carter was in attendance along with the LC Magistrates David Pinson, Rick Blackburn, Michael Mouse Holcomb and John Scaggs.
SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES ON ROADWAYS FIRST READING
Local governments are considering whether to opt-in for a new state law that allows special purpose vehicles to be operated on a highway.
The Kentucky General Assembly passed SB 63, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm (R-Laurel), during the 2025 legislative session, which will take effect June 27.
The measure permits counties and cities to enact an ordinance allowing the operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles on highways within their jurisdictional boundaries. Local governments also may adopt more stringent local regulations on vehicle safety equipment and operation than the state regulation.
Special purpose vehicles include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), minitrucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles and full-size special purpose-built vehicles. Low-speed vehicles as defined in KRS 186.010 are not included in SB 63.
To be a street-legal special purpose vehicle, the vehicle must be equipped with essential safety features, be registered, insured and pass an inspection. SB 63 establishes a $10 annual registration fee and a $25 fee for the certified inspection, to be paid to the sheriff’s office prior to titling.
The LC Fiscal Court had a First Reading of Ordinance for Special Purpose Vehicles on Roadways. Motion by John Scaggs and seconded by Rick Blackburn. None Opposed. Roll Call. The following is a copy of the Ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY FISCAL COURT RELATING TO STREET-LEGAL SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES
WHEREAS, 2025 Ky. Acts Ch. 89 (hereinafter “the Act”) became law on March 26, 2025, and allows for the operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles on certain highways within the Commonwealth of Kentucky if allowed by ordinance of the local government within whose jurisdictional boundaries the highway is located; and WHEREAS, the Act becomes effective on Friday, June 27, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Lawrence County Fiscal Court has determined that it is appropriate to allow the operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles on specified highways within the jurisdictional boundaries of Lawrence County in accordance with the Act and this ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the Fiscal Court of County of
Lawrence, Commonwealth of Kentucky:
SECTION 1.
Definitions
The definitions set forth in Section 1 (1) of the 2025 Ky. Acts Ch. 89 (hereinafter “the Act”), and as may be amended in the future by the Kentucky General Assembly, are adopted and incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.
SECTION 2.
Designated Highways
Street-legal special purpose vehicles shall be allowed to the extent permitted by the Act on all highways that are located within the jurisdictional limits of Lawrence County.
SECTION 3.
Exceptions
Street-legal special purpose vehicles shall not be allowed to operate:
(a) On any highway, or portion thereof, located within the jurisdictional limits of Lawrence County unless allowed by this ordinance.
- On any highway, or portion thereof, where the United States Department of Agriculture prohibits special purpose vehicles; or
- On any highway, or portion thereof, that is a controlled access system, including but not limited to an interstate or parkway.
SECTION 4.
Prohibitions
- Street-legal special purpose vehicles are prohibited from traveling a distance greater than twenty (20) miles on a highway displaying centerline pavement markings.
- Minitrucks shall not be operated as street-legal special purpose vehicles on a highway that has been constructed pursuant to a federal highway program.
SECTION 5.
Effective Date
This ordinance shall be effective on
The foregoing ordinance having received its first reading on the _ day of
→ 2025 was given its second reading and passed by the Fiscal Court
of Lawrence County on this the _ day of _2025
LAWRENCE COUNTY FISCAL COURT CLERK
AGENDA
- Opening Prayer
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Call Meeting to Order
- Discuss/Approve SB 63: Special Purpose vehicles on roadways First Reading – Motion by John Scaggs 2nd by Rick Blackburn. None Opposed. Roll Call.
- Adjourn – Motion by Rick Blackburn 2nd by Michael Mouse Halcomb.
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The next Regular Scheduled LC Fiscal Court Meeting will be held on Tuesday August 12, 2025 at 10AM
