HOPKINSVILLE, KY – The Christian County Sheriff’s Office would like to notify residents of a new law passed during the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly that will impact the operation of ATVs, UTVs, and other special purpose vehicles on public roadways. Senate Bill 63 (SB 63), sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm (R-Laurel), goes into effect June 27, 2025.

Christian County has opted into the new law, allowing these special purpose vehicles to be operated on certain roadways in Christian County. Under SB 63, counties and cities may authorize street-legal use of certain special purpose vehicles—such as ATVs, UTVs, minitrucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles, and full-size purpose-built vehicles—on highways within their jurisdictional boundaries. Low-speed vehicles as defined in KRS 186.010 are not included.

| RELATED STORY: ATV and UTV drivers soon able to legally operate on Christian County roads

Equipment standards, inspections

To qualify as street-legal, these vehicles must meet specific equipment standards, be registered and insured, and pass a certified inspection performed by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.

Inspection Fee: $25.00 (payable to the Christian County Sheriff’s Office)

Location: 701 W 7th Street, Hopkinsville, KY

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

What You’ll Need:

  • The vehicle, present during the inspection-VIN MUST BE CLEAN AND ACCESSIBLE!
  • Proof of ownership
  • Valid photo ID
  • Title or,
  • Certificate or origin or,
  • Bill of sale signed and notarized or,
  • Affidavit of ownership-must be signed and notarized
  • Payment for the inspection

Required Safety Equipment: To be approved for use on public highways, special purpose vehicles must be equipped with the following:

  • Headlamps
  • Tail lamps
  • Brake lamps
  • A white license plate light
  • Red rear reflectors
  • Amber front and rear turn signals
  • A braking system (excluding parking brake)
  • Horn or warning device
  • Working muffler
  • Rearview mirrors on both sides
  • Windshield (or eye protection for the driver)
  • Speedometer with nighttime illumination
  • Roll bar or roll cage
  • Seat belts for each passenger (if multi-passenger vehicle)
  • Tires with tread depth of at least 2/32″

Important Notes:

  • Special purpose vehicles may not be operated on interstates or parkways and may only travel up to 20 miles on highways with centerline pavement markings.
  • Vehicles primarily used for farm or agricultural purposes are exempt from these requirements.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Christian County Sheriff’s Office at (270) 887-4143 for more details.