New Kentucky Law Allows ATVs to Become Street Legal — Green Plates Now Available

July 17, 2025

Deputy Clerk Lucas Mills presents Charlotte Curry with the county's first green tag.

MANCHESTER, Ky. — A new Kentucky law now allows special purpose vehicles, such as side-by-sides and certain all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), to become street legal—if they meet a long list of safety requirements and pass official inspections.

Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson said his office has already seen a steady flow of residents coming in to have their vehicles inspected.

“We’ve had a lot of folks stopping by looking to get their side-by-sides legal,” said Sheriff Robinson. “People seem to really like the new law—it gives them more freedom, especially for short-distance travel around the county. We just want to remind everyone to make sure their vehicle is equipped with the necessary safety features before coming in for inspection.”

To qualify as a Street Legal Special Purpose Vehicle (SLSPV), the ATV must be outfitted with specific safety equipment. This includes working headlights, tail and brake lights, turn signals (front and rear), mirrors, a horn, muffler, speedometer, roll cage or bar, a windshield (or eye protection for the operator), and more. Multi-passenger vehicles must also have federally compliant seatbelts.

Tires must have at least two thirty-seconds (2/32) of an inch or greater tread to pass.

County Clerk Beverly Craft said her office is experiencing a noticeable increase in residents seeking to title and license these vehicles.

“We’ve definitely seen an influx of people wanting to register their ATVs now that this law is in place,” said Craft. “To get your green plate, you’ll need a sheriff’s inspection, your title or bill of sale, and Kentucky proof of insurance. We’re happy to help walk anyone through the process.”

Residents should be aware that not every city or county has adopted the SLSPV ordinance, which means these vehicles are not permitted on all public roads statewide. Legal SLSPVs will be issued a special green license plate and will be subject to the same yearly Ad Valorem tax as standard motor vehicles.

SLSPV Requirements for Street Legality:

One (1) or more headlamps

One (1) or more tail lamps

One (1) or more brake lamps

A trail lamp or other lamp constructed to illuminate the registration plate with a white light

One (1) or more red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle

An amber electric turn system, one (1) on each side of the front

Amber or red electric turn signals on the rear

A braking system (not including a parking brake)

A horn or other warning device

A working muffler

Rearview mirrors on both the right and left sides of the driver

A windshield, unless the operator wears eye protection while driving

A speedometer illuminated for nighttime operation

A roll bar or roll cage

For multi-passenger vehicles, federally compliant seatbelt assemblies for all seating positions

Tires with at least two thirty-seconds (2/32) of an inch or greater tread

What You Need to License Your SLSPV:

Sheriff’s inspection ($25)

Title/Certificate of Origin or Bill of Sale

Kentucky proof of insurance

REMEMBER:

Once registered, you must pay usage tax and will receive a yearly Ad Valorem tax bill

Not all counties or cities have adopted the SLSPV ordinance

SLSPVs will display a special green license plate

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