Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicles

How to Register Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicles (SLSPV)

A “Special Purpose Vehicle” (SPV) includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), mini trucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles, and full-sized vehicles specifically designed for special purposes. This definition also encompasses vehicles that are self-constructed, manufactured by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or subsequently modified.
It does not include low-speed vehicles as defined in KRS 186.010 (MVL).

Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicles (SLSPV)
Effective June 27, 2025, a Special Purpose Vehicle may be registered as a Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicle (SLSPV) if it:

  • Meets all applicable roadworthiness requirements,
  • Passes inspection by a certified sheriff’s inspector, and
  • Is properly insured by a Kentucky-licensed insurer.

Once registered, SLSPVs may be operated on public roadways in jurisdictions that permit their use by local ordinance. These vehicles are subject to the same registration and tax requirements as any other motor vehicle registered in Kentucky.

Operational Restrictions
SLSPVs may not be operated:

  • On limited access highways (such as interstates and parkways),
  • On highways with pavement markings where the speed limit exceeds 20 miles per hour, or
  • In areas where use is prohibited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

Required Paperwork

  • Current title or Certificate of Origin (no photocopies)
    • If the vehicle is not currently titled on a Kentucky title, Form TC 96-182 will be required.
  • Proof of KY insurance
  • Proof of sales tax paid (bill of sale or sales receipt)
    • If proof of paid sales tax is not available, the vehicle will be taxed 6% of the current trade-in value
  • Form TC 96-365 – Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicle Inspection
    • This inspection is performed by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for a $25.00 fee (cash or local check)
    • Inspections will be available from 8:30am-4:15pm at 4724 Allmond Ave, Louisville, KY 40209. If you prefer a different inspection location, those are scheduled by appointment only.
    • Please visit the JCSO website for further information or call 502-574-5085
  • Vehicle must have a VIN (vehicle identification number)
    • If the vehicle does not have a VIN, the owner must apply for a Kentucky issued VIN plate, which must be verified by a Sheriff inspection with Form TC 96-182 in addition to Form TC 96-365

SLSPV Requirements

  • Vehicles that are designated SLSPV must be registered if titling from off-road to on-road usage
  • Vehicles that are designated SLSPV must maintain Kentucky proof of insurance
  • Vehicles that are designated SLSPV will be subject to annual Ad Valorem taxes
  • Registration fees will be $19.50 per year
    • If the registered owner of an SLSPV no longer wishes to maintain registration, insurance, and pay Ad Valorem taxes, they must transfer the SLSPV title to an “Off-Road Vehicle” title. The owner will pay title transfer fees and must present proof of the sales tax paid (sales receipt) to receive usage tax credit for the title transfer.
  • By renewing your SLSPV registration, you are certifying that the street-legal special purpose vehicle still meets all the equipment requirements listed in KRS 186.077
  • Vehicles that are designated SLSPV are to be registered in the county of residence of the owner. If the vehicle is operated primarily from a different address, please be prepared to provide this information at time of title transfer and registration.
  • Vehicles that are designated SLSPV can only be operated on Kentucky public roads in jurisdictions that allow them by local ordinance.

Inspection Requirements

  • One (1) or more head lamps
  • One (1) or more tail lamps
  • One (1) or more brake lamps
  • A tail lamp or other lamp constructed and placed to illuminate the registration plate with a white light
  • One (1) or more red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle
  • Amber or red electric signals on the rear of the vehicle
  • A braking system, other than a parking brake
  • A horn or other warning device
  • A working muffler
  • Rearview mirrors on the right and left side of the driver
  • A windshield, unless the operator of the vehicle wears eye protection while operating the vehicle
  • A speedometer, illuminated for nighttime operation
  • A roll bar or roll cage
  • For multi-passenger vehicles, a seatbelt assembly that conforms to the federal motor vehicle safety standard provided in 49 C.F.R. sec. 571.209 for each designated seating position.
  • Tires that have at least two thirty-seconds (2/32) of an inch or greater tire tread

Payment

Accepted methods of payment to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office are cash, money order, MC, Visa, AMX and Discover or personal check. No out-of-state checks accepted. Valid Kentucky I.D. is required for acceptance of personal checks.

Note: There is a payment service fee for all card transactions, 1.5% of total for Debit Cards and 2.75% of total for Credit Cards.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this information, you may call our Motor Vehicle Call Center at 502-574-5700.

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