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Boyd County adopts state 'special purpose vehicle' rules for unincorporated roads amid enforcement questions
Summary
The fiscal court adopted state statute language to allow registration and limited use of UTVs/side-by-sides on unincorporated Boyd County roads; the statute takes effect the next day but county staff noted uncertainty about which stretches of US-23 and US-60 will qualify because of 'controlled-access' rules.
Boyd County’s fiscal court voted June 26 to adopt state statute language governing 'special purpose vehicles' — such as UTVs and side-by-sides — permitting their registration and limited operation on unincorporated county roads consistent with state law.
Presenters explained the statute goes into effect the following day and that state rules bar operation on controlled-access highways (interstates and parkways). That restriction likely excludes many stretches of US-23 and US-60 in the county because the statute’s 'limited access' definition is narrow; county staff said they had asked the Department of Highways for a definitive list but had not received it and may never receive it. County staff described the registration process: an inspection with the sheriff’s office, proof of title and proof of sales tax or payment of a 6% usage tax if sales tax can’t be shown, proof of Kentucky insurance and lien-release procedures where applicable.
Speakers debated safety and enforcement: supporters said the vehicles have seat belts, roll cages, lights and turn signals and could be safer than motorcycles; others raised concerns about off-road tires and driver behavior. County officials recommended allowing the state statute to be adopted without local additions to avoid conflicting rules and to revisit the ordinance after the state issues implementing guidance. The court voted to adopt the statute language and authorize local implementation consistent with state requirements.
Next steps: the county will await state guidance (sheriff’s association training slated for July 9) and may return to the fiscal court to clarify permitted road segments once the Department of Highways provides a list.
