By Evan Reid, Founder of Haul Handbook · Updated Jul 19, 2026
Who issues what in Kentucky
The permit pages
Kentucky-specific requirements
KYU weight distance tax at a flat per-mile rate
Kentucky is one of four weight-distance-tax states (with New York, New Mexico, and Oregon). Its KYU tax is a single flat per-mile rate charged on every mile a qualified vehicle travels on Kentucky highways, applied to vehicles with a combined license weight of 60,000 lbs or more (greater than 59,999 lbs). Unlike New York, New Mexico, and Oregon it is not tiered by weight; the current per-mile rate and its official source are on the Kentucky weight-distance tax page. Rate set under KRS 138.660.
Mandatory zero-mile quarterly return and 500 USD revocation fee
A KYU (and KIT) account holder must file a quarterly return every quarter even with no travel. Filing zero miles is required; skipping it triggers penalty, interest, and a 500 USD revocation fee. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, returns must be filed and paid online through the Motor Carrier Portal (KRS 138.685).
KIT: a separate Kentucky Intrastate Tax fuel license
Kentucky-based carriers that never leave Kentucky, operating vehicles with a combined licensed weight of 26,001 lbs or more or power units with 3 or more axles regardless of weight, need a KIT (Kentucky Intrastate Tax) fuel-tax license instead of IFTA. KIT requires the same quarterly zero-mile filing discipline and the same 500 USD revocation fee. Farm-plate vehicles are exempt. Applied for on the Kentucky Trucking Application (TC 95-1).
No state carrier number analog
Kentucky issues no CA#, TxDMV#, or NY DOT#-style state carrier number. Carriers are identified by their USDOT number (required over 10,001 lbs GVWR), their KYU number (weight distance tax at 60,000 lbs and over), and their intrastate authority certificate for for-hire operations.
Extended-weight coal haul decals
Kentucky, a coal state, issues extended-weight coal haul decals for vehicles hauling coal or coal by-products on the designated Coal Haul Highway System. Eligible vehicles must be registered to 80,000 lbs with a Kentucky commercial or IRP plate. The extended gross-weight ceilings and decal fees are administered through the Motor Carrier Portal.
Off-interstate weight limits by highway class
On state-maintained highways that are not interstates or designated highways, Kentucky caps gross weight by road classification: Class A 44,000 lbs, Class AA 62,000 lbs, and Class AAA 80,000 lbs. Legal width on these roads drops to 8 ft, and combinations are limited to 65 ft (KRS 189.222, 603 KAR 5:070).
Urban rush-hour movement curfew in five counties
Oversize/overweight loads are restricted during weekday rush hours (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.) in Boone, Campbell, Fayette, Jefferson, and Kenton counties. Kentucky otherwise has no holiday travel restrictions, and general OW/OD loads may move 24 hours unless the permit states otherwise.
Who issues Kentucky permits
The Division of Motor Carriers issues oversize and overweight permits and the coal haul decals, and it takes permit purchases through the Motor Carrier Portal. A Call Before You Haul route-checking service helps confirm a route before you commit to it. Annual permits take processing time, so file ahead rather than the day before a move.
Coal haul decals and off-interstate weight limits
Kentucky is a coal state, and it shows in the permit system. Trucks hauling coal or coal by-products on the designated Coal Haul Highway System can carry extended-weight decals, with eligibility tied to Kentucky commercial or apportioned plates. Off the interstates, the legal gross weight is not one number: Kentucky caps it by highway class, so a road's classification sets how heavy you can run before you need an overweight permit. The oversize and overweight page carries the class limits and the decal program with sources.
Compare beyond Kentucky
Running multi-state loads? The oversize permit costs by state table compares limits and fees across all 51 jurisdictions, and the permit cost estimator prices a specific load per state.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I buy Kentucky truck permits?
- Through the Division of Motor Carriers on the online Motor Carrier Portal. It handles single-trip and annual oversize and overweight permits and the coal haul decals.
Does Kentucky have special permits for coal?
- Yes. Kentucky issues extended-weight coal haul decals for trucks hauling coal or coal by-products on the designated Coal Haul Highway System, with eligibility tied to Kentucky commercial or apportioned plates.
Are weight limits the same on every Kentucky road?
- No. On the interstates and designated highways the gross weight ceiling is the standard federal figure, but on other state roads Kentucky sets the limit by highway class, so the same truck can be legal on one road and overweight on another.
Haul Handbook publishes educational information about trucking registration and compliance requirements. This is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Rules, fees, and deadlines change; confirm with the agency before you file or pay.