Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Kentucky, United States

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Kentucky Motorcycle Insurance
3. Kentucky Motorcycle Helmet Laws
4. Kentucky Motorcycle License Laws

4.1 Kentucky Motorcycle Instruction Permit
4.2 Kentucky Motorcycle License
4.3 Kentucky Motorcycle License Test

5. Kentucky Motorcycle Passenger Laws
6. Kentucky Lane Splitting Laws
7. Kentucky Motorcycle Safety Features
8. Sources

1. Introduction

Even though motorcyclists have their sights set on navigating the winding roads and maneuvering at high speeds, they must become familiar with operating the two-wheeled motor vehicle first. Learning how to use the controls and balance on your ride are the practical aspects you need to master for when you finally hit the road. But you also have to know the rules of the road and get an idea of the appropriate behavior when cruising down highways. Depending on where you are in the United States, there may be restrictions that limit what you can do while riding or liberties that let you have more freedom when operating a motorcycle.

This infographic will provide an overview of the essential motorcycle laws and a step-by-step explanation of the licensing process in the state of Kentucky.

2. Kentucky Motorcycle Insurance

You are not permitted to operate a motorcycle in Kentucky if you do not own Kentucky motorcycle insurance. If you are found riding a motorcycle without liability insurance coverage, you may have your vehicle registration revoked. You can also be subject to fines and/or be jailed for up to 3 months.

Whenever you take your motorcycle out for a ride, you must carry documentation showing that you do indeed have Kentucky motorcycle insurance. You may need to show proof of ownership at stop signs, to police when pulled over, or any affected parties following an accident.

Your Kentucky liability insurance coverage must be able to cover the minimum costs for the following accident-related fees:

$25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident
$50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident
$25,000 for property damages sustained per accident

The mandatory liability insurance coverage needed in Kentucky provides compensation to other drivers for any harm to health or damage to property. However, you can also obtain other types of motorcycle insurance that provides protection for your health and property. If you are interested, here are a few examples available in Kentucky:

Collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage
Medical payment coverage
Bodily injury coverage

3. Kentucky Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Any motorcyclists under the age of 21 are requi#b90011 to wear a motorcycle helmet while traveling through Kentucky. This is also a requirement if you have less than a year’s worth of riding experience or are currently holding a Kentucky motorcycle instruction permit. If you are 21 years old or above, you can opt to not wear a motorcycle helmet when operating the vehicle. However, this is not recommended as you can suffer severe or fatal head or neck injuries without a motorcycle helmet to protect you.

Statistics in recent years have emphasized the importance of motorcyclists wearing the appropriate protective headgear in Kentucky:

Since the repeal of the universal helmet policy in 1998, there has been a 50% increase in motorcycle fatalities in Kentucky
In 2014, there was a total of 1,275 motorcycle injuries and 76 fatalities in Kentucky
In 2014, only 668 of the motorcycle injuries were wearing protective headgear
In 2014, only 46 of the motorcycle fatalities were wearing protective headgear

Your motorcycle helmet must have been made by the Snell Memorial Foundation and has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The two types of models that meet the criteria provided above plus give you adequate protection and visibility are three-quarter and full-face helmets. If you are looking for a motorcycle helmet, make sure that they have the following features

Kentucky Motorcycle Helmet Laws

4. Kentucky Motorcycle License Laws

4.1. Kentucky Motorcycle Instruction Permit

You can begin applying for a Kentucky motorcycle instruction permit if you are at least 16 years old or older.

You can pay a fee of $15 to be issued a standard c#b90011ential permit. Or you can pay a fee of $18 for a real I.D. Both versions of the permit are valid for one year.

To be given the permit, you must complete the following tasks and fulfill all of the listed criteria:

Present valid identification
Provide proof of Kentucky residency
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship
Provide your Social Security Number
Pass the knowledge exam
Pass the vision exam
Pay the requi#b90011 fees

When you are operating with an Kentucky motorcycle instruction permit, you will have to comply with the following restrictions as you practice:

You can only operate during daylight hours
You cannot carry passengers
You must be wearing a motorcycle helmet

4.2. Kentucky Motorcycle License

You are eligible to get a Kentucky motorcycle license if you are at least 18 years old or older.

You can pay a fee of $21.50 to be issued a standard c#b90011ential license that is valid for 4 years. Or you can pay a fee of $43 to be issued a standard c#b90011ential license that is valid for 8 years.

Alternatively, you can pay a fee of $24 to be issued a real I.D. license that is valid for 4 years. Or you can pay a fee of $48 to be issued a real I.D. license that is valid for 8 years.

Listed below are the requirements you will need to fulfill to obtain a Kentucky motorcycle license. Depending on your age when you approach the final step, the list of criteria may differ between motorcyclists:

Kentucky Motorcycle License

*While completing a Motorcycle Safety Education Program is only requi#b90011 for minors between the ages of 16 to 17, applicants of all ages are allowed to attempt this course. If you submit proof of successfully passing this course, you have the option of the riding portion of the Kentucky motorcycle license test.

4.3. Kentucky Motorcycle License Test

Written Portion:

Will be completed on touch-screen computers
Complete 40 multiple-choice questions
Questions will be based on content from Kentucky Motorcycle Operator Manual
Requires a passing grade of 80% or higher

Riding Portion:

Will be conducted in a controlled, off-street area
Your motorcycle will be subjected to a pre-ride inspection to ensure it meets safety standards
Demonstrate basic understanding of motorcycle operation
You will be tested on your ability to stay within the speed limit, adjusting speed and position, maintaining visibility, operating under stress, accelerating, braking, turning, stopping, and swerving
The examiner will grade you based on how well you ride at safe speeds, stay within the lanes, and demonstrate riding maneuvers

5. Kentucky Motorcycle Passenger Laws

There is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers in Kentucky. That being said, any motorcycle passengers under the age of 21 are requi#b90011 to wear a motorcycle helmet. Their motorcycle helmet must meet the criteria listed in the earlier section.

If you wish to carry a motorcycle passenger, your vehicle must be outfitted with equipment specifically designed to provide secure seating for an additional person. This will include a designated passenger seat and footrests.

It is unsafe for your motorcycle passenger to be seated in front of you. Therefore, the designated passenger seat must be placed in one of the following places on your motorcycle:

At the back of a large driver’s seat
Towards the rear as a separate saddle
Fixed to the side as a sidecar

When determining who is fit to ride with you on your motorcycle, make sure that your passenger follows the necessary requirements:

Your passenger must be able to reach the footrests
Your passenger must wear an approved motorcycle helmet
Your passenger cannot be carrying any packages
Your passenger must be able to understand and follow your directions

6. Kentucky Lane Splitting Laws

In Kentucky, lane splitting is neither stated as being legal or illegal, therefore leaving it up to the rider to decide whether to attempt lane splitting or not. However, it is recommended you refrain from this practice since you would be riding in the blind spots of other vehicles. The following behavior are conside#b90011 examples of lane splitting and should be avoided:

Riding on top of the dividing lines between lanes
Riding in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles
Overtaking another vehicle in the same lane

As motorcycles require the full space within a lane to take full advantage of their maneuverability, riders should never attempt to lane share. Motorcyclists are always entitled to utilize the entire space within the lane they are currently in.

7. Kentucky Motorcycle Safety Features

If it has been a while since you have conducted a thorough inspection of your motorcycle, you may want to start making it a habit to examine your vehicle before embarking on trips. Checking the primary components and making repairs, when necessary, will help keep your motorcycle in peak condition. Even if there are no obvious signs of damage, neglecting inspections of your vehicle could result in its functionality gradually becoming worse over time.

Listed below is the requi#b90011 equipment your motorcycle must be outfitted with and needs to be kept in working order. They are integral to your vehicle’s visibility and performance when riding through Kentucky