Politician Gabrielle Summe, Kenton County Clerk, shares insights on 'road-legal special-purpose vehicles' with a gathering of mayors
In a recent meeting at the Elsmere Community Center, Gabrielle Summe, Kenton County Clerk, was the featured speaker and discussed the implications of Senate Bill 63, a new law in Kentucky that allows the registration and operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles.
According to Summe, these vehicles, which include ATVs, UTVs, minitrucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles, and full-size special purpose-built vehicles, will need to meet specific equipment standards to be considered street-legal. Common safety additions include mirrors and roll cages.
Once a vehicle is changed from off-road to on-road, it becomes subject to ad valorem tax, Summe mentioned. She warned that while she doesn't expect many problems in this area, people and cities should be aware in case the popularity of these vehicles increases.
Vehicles must be registered with the state and insured. A certified inspection is required, which costs $25. This inspection verifies that the vehicle meets all safety requirements.
Counties and cities must opt-in to allow these vehicles on their highways. Not all areas are automatically included. Vehicles cannot be operated on interstates or parkways, and there is a limit of 20 miles on highways with centerline pavement markings. Vehicles primarily used for farm or agricultural purposes are exempt from these requirements.
While Senate Bill 63 outlines the statewide framework, local governments can mandate additional safety equipment. The bill became effective on June 27, 2025, though another key date is July 27, which might be associated with certain implementation steps.
Summe stated that people need to know where they can ride these vehicles, if they have to be inspected, and what kind of insurance they need to have. She mentioned that Fort Mitchell is the only city with an ordinance about side-by-side vehicles, but others may consider adopting one.
The meeting was attended by State Representative Kim Banta, who mentioned that the bill was about tourism in the eastern part of the state. The bill regarding street legal special purpose vehicles is already passed, but the issues surrounding their taxation and regulation are still being clarified, and it is possible the issue will be brought back before the legislators.
Steve Hensley asked if these vehicles need to be fitted with certain equipment like a roll bar, seatbelts, or lights, and Summe replied that she thought so, because they will have to be inspected.
For detailed information and updates, residents are advised to contact local authorities or the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. Summe also mentioned that the insurance for these vehicles could go up.
- Gabrielle Summe, the Kenton County Clerk, highlighted that local governments, such as communities in Kenton County, can mandate additional safety equipment for street-legal special purpose vehicles, like roll bars, seat belts, or lights.
- The insurance for street-legal special purpose vehicles, such as ATVs, UTVs, minitrucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles, and full-size special purpose-built vehicles, might increase, as mentioned by Summe.
- Kentuckians should familiarize themselves with the areas where they can ride their street-legal special purpose vehicles, as well as the requirements for inspection and insurance, according to Gabrielle Summe.
- In line with the discussion on Senate Bill 63, State Representative Kim Banta pointed out that the law is geared towards promoting tourism in the eastern part of Kentucky, but the issues surrounding taxation and regulation of these vehicles are still under consideration and may be revisited by legislators.
