Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.2717 – Annual overweight permit for transporting nondivisible loads over specified routes -- Axle-weight limitation -- Administrative regulations. (Effective July 15, 2026)

(1)
1. (a) Subject to the provisions of KRS 189.222, the department may promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A governing the issuance of annual permits for the operation of motor vehicles transporting nondivisible loads in this Commonwealth whose gross weight exceeds the limits prescribed by this chapter.
2. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, the gross weight of a motor vehicle operating pursuant to this section shall not exceed one hundred twenty thousand (120,000) pounds.
3. (c) Notwithstanding KRS 189.269, the gross weight of a motor vehicle transporting fluid milk products under a permit issued under this section shall not exceed one hundred thousand (100,000) pounds.
4. (d) The movement of the overweight motor vehicle shall be limited to a specific route set forth on the annual permit.
(2) Except as provided is subsection (3) of this section, the following axle weights shall not be exceeded in the loading of a nondivisible load:
1. (a) Single axle with axles less than forty-two (42) inches apart and being the steering axle with one (1) wheel on each side of the axle to be considered a single axle shall not be more than fifteen thousand (15,000) pounds;
2. (b) Two (2) axles in tandem arrangement which are spaced forty-two (42) inches or more apart and less than ninety-six (96) inches apart shall not be more than forty thousand (40,000) pounds;
3. (c) Three (3) axles in tridem arrangement which are spaced forty-two (42) or more inches apart and less than one hundred twenty (120) inches apart shall not be more than sixty-five thousand (65,000) pounds; and
4. (d) Dual wheel axle with one (1) axle with two (2) wheels on each side of the axle to be considered a dual wheel axle shall not be more than twenty thousand (20,000) pounds each.
(3) Notwithstanding KRS 189.269, the axle weight limits in subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to a vehicle transporting fluid milk products under a permit issued under this section.
(4) Each motor vehicle operating pursuant to this section shall comply with the safety provisions set forth in the administrative regulations promulgated by the department pursuant to this section.
(5) The department shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to set fees for permits established under this section.
(6) The department may refuse to issue a permit for a requested route because of the inadequacies of the roadway or a structure on that route.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 5, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 11, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 306, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Created 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996.