1. Temporary or Occasional Trips, get the permits at https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/
If a New York-based carrier is just passing through or making a short-term delivery in Kentucky:
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Trip Permit: Required for vehicles not registered under IRP (International Registration Plan). Typically valid for a limited number of days.
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Fuel Tax Permit: Required if the vehicle isn’t registered under IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement).
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Oversize/Overweight Permit: Required if the load exceeds Kentucky’s legal weight/size limits.
These permits allow legal operation in Kentucky without full state registration. Without them, carriers can face fines at weigh stations.
2. Regular or Frequent Operations
For carriers operating regularly in Kentucky:
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You must establish a Kentucky Motor Carrier Account with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).
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Enroll your vehicles in Kentucky IRP if they operate under apportioned plates.
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Register for IFTA if the vehicles travel across multiple states.
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Comply with Weight-Mile Tax if vehicles exceed 26,000 lbs.
If your vehicles already have IRP/IFTA registration including Kentucky, separate Kentucky permits are often unnecessary.
3. Oversize/Overweight Loads
If transporting oversize or overweight loads:
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You need an oversize/overweight (OS/OW) permit issued by Kentucky.
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Routing, escorts, and special conditions may apply depending on the vehicle and load.
Summary Table
| Situation | Permit/Registration Needed? | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Single or occasional trip | yes | Trip permit, fuel permit, OS/OW permit |
| Regular operations in KY | yes | KY Motor Carrier Account + IRP/IFTA registration, Weight-Mile Tax |
| IRP/IFTA including KY | separate KY permit | IRP/IFTA plates/cab card suffice |
| Oversize/overweight loads | varies | OS/OW variance permit |
Key Point: There is no exemption for New York carriers. Any commercial vehicle operating in Kentucky must comply with Kentucky’s entry, permit, and registration rules.