ATV Law Information
189.515 Restrictions on operation of all-terrain vehicles.
(1) Except for vehicles authorized to operate on a public highway as of July 15, 1998, and except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, a person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle upon any public highway or roadway or upon the right-of-way
of any public highway or roadway. (2) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle on private property without the
consent of the landowner, tenant, or individual responsible for the property. (3) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public property unless the governmental agency responsible for the property has approved the use of all-terrain
vehicles. (4) Except for vehicles authorized to operate on a public highway, a person operating an all-terrain vehicle on public property shall wear approved protective headgear, in the manner prescribed by the secretary of the Transportation Cabinet, at all times
that the vehicle is in motion. The approved headgear requirement shall not apply when the operator of any all-terrain vehicle is engaged in:
(a) Farm or agriculture related activities; (b) Mining or mining exploration activities; (c) Logging activities;
(d) Any other business, commercial, or industrial activity; or (e) Use of that vehicle on private property.
(5) (a) A person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle with an engine size exceeding ninety (90) cubic centimeters displacement, and a person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle except under direct parental supervision. (b) A person under the age of twelve (12) years shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle with an engine size exceeding seventy (70) cubic centimeters displacement. (6) (a) A person may operate an all-terrain vehicle on any two (2) lane public
highway in order to cross the highway. In crossing the highway under this paragraph, the operator shall cross the highway at as close to a ninety (90) degree angle as is practical and safe, and shall not travel on the highway for more than two-tenths (2/10) of a mile. (b) A person may operate an all-terrain vehicle on any two (2) lane public highway, if the operator is engaged in farm or agricultural related activities,
construction, road maintenance, or snow removal. (c) The Transportation Cabinet may designate, and a city or county government
may designate, those public highways, segments of public highways, and adjoining rights-of-way of public highways under its jurisdiction where all terrain vehicles that are prohibited may be operated. (d) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle on a public highway under this
subsection shall possess a valid operator's license. (e) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle on a public highway under this
subsection shall comply with all applicable traffic regulations. (f) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle under this subsection unless the all-terrain vehicle has at least one (1) headlight and two (2) taillights, which shall be illuminated at all times the vehicle is in operation. (g) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle under this subsection shall restrict the operation to daylight hours, except when engaged in snow removal or emergency road maintenance.
Effective: July 14, 2000. History: Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 460, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 47, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Created 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 400, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1990.
Traffic Safety – Tips for Traffic Stops
* Tip #1: Pull over promptly. That means all the way to the right – and stop. Don’t drive a half-mile while you ponder if the officer is really signaling you. If you’re not the offender, you can go on your way; if you are, you’ve at least started out on the right foot. And always remember to use your turn indicators if you must cross lanes of traffic while pulling over. If you are familiar with the area and know of a well let parking lot or friend or family member’s driveway, you may slow down and pull over at that location as long as it is within a reasonable distance.
* Tip #2: Reassure the officer. Keep your hands in sight (preferably on the steering wheel) as the officer approaches. If it’s dark or stormy, turn on your dome light. Roll your window down, especially if you have tinted glass. DO NOT exit your vehicle to approach the Officer! Wait for the Officer to approach you. If then you are asked to exit the vehicle by the Officer, do so safely with regard to traffic and terrain.
* Tip #3: Hand over your documents. Officers are looking for the Big Three: Operators license, registration and proof of insurance. Don’t make the officer sort through a loose bundle or an envelope full of oil-change receipts. Although experts used to recommend keeping your registration and insurance card attached to one another in your glove box, it’s smarter these days to keep your registration in your wallet – with your license – in case your car is stolen. When it comes to showing your license, take it out of your wallet instead of leaving it under the plastic cover. Never hand a police officer your wallet, as it has potential to create more problems. As the Officer is approaching your vehicle, wait for him to ask for your documents. You shouldn’t be rifling through the glove compartment, reaching behind you (for your wallet) or between the seats or in the console as he approaches.
* Tip #4: Be respectful. Answer the police officer’s questions politely. If you’re wondering why the officer wants to know if you wear contacts, it’s not personal: It’s that "corrective lenses" box that you checked at the license agency last year. Officers are obligated to make sure you’re operating your vehicle under the conditions your license requires.
* Tip #5: Save your arguments for court. Sure, you can offer clarifications if they’re relevant. For instance, if you’re a doctor on the way to an emergency at the hospital, you could tell the officer. But engaging in a dispute over the "rolling stop" or challenging the calibration of the radar gun won’t score any points, and it won’t stop the officer from issuing a citation. You should also avoid the really lame excuses: ignorance of the law, or the fact that everyone else was driving 85. The officer saw you breaking a law that’s on the books. His job is to enforce that law and to investigate any infractions his attentions is directed to.
* Tip #6: If you have a firearm in the vehicle, tell the Officer where it is after he approaches your vehicle. DO NOT reach for it! The Officer will instruct you as to how he wants to handle this situation. If you have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, have it readily available with your operator’s license.
Remember: Officers may issue warnings for minor violations of law. Your demeanor during the stop can help determine whether the Officer feels a warning will correct the infraction or if it takes a trip to court!
Of course, the best way to avoid getting pulled over is to follow the rules for traffic safety. But if you’re pulled over for a traffic stop, make your experience is as smooth as possible by following these tips.