Difference Between Kentucky Trip Permits and Fuel Permits

Dec. 19, 2025, 5:28 p.m.
Kentucky requires different permits depending on whether a carrier needs temporary vehicle registration or temporary fuel tax compliance. Understanding the difference between a Kentucky Trip Permit and a Kentucky Fuel Permit helps carriers stay compliant and avoid costly enforcement actions.
Kentucky Trip Permits and Fuel Permits

1. What Is a Kentucky Trip Permit?

A Kentucky Trip Permit allows a commercial vehicle to operate temporarily in Kentucky without Kentucky registration.

Key points:

  • Used by out-of-state carriers

  • Required for vehicles 26,001 lbs or more

  • Provides temporary registration compliance

  • Short-term validity (typically a few days)

  • Does NOT cover fuel tax obligations

Common use:
An out-of-state truck entering Kentucky without IRP apportioned plates.

2. What Is a Kentucky Fuel Permit?

A Kentucky Fuel Permit allows a commercial vehicle to operate temporarily without IFTA registration.

Key points:

  • Required if the carrier is not registered under IFTA

  • Provides temporary fuel tax compliance

  • Short-term validity

  • Does NOT replace vehicle registration

  • Required regardless of vehicle registration status if IFTA is missing

Common use:
A carrier with proper registration but no IFTA account entering Kentucky.

3. Key Differences at a Glance

Feature Trip Permit Fuel Permit
Purpose Registration compliance Fuel tax compliance
Replaces IRP? Yes (temporary) No
Replaces IFTA? No Yes (temporary)
Covers fuel taxes  No  Yes
Covers registration  Yes  No

4. When Do You Need Both Permits?

You may need both permits if:

  • Your vehicle is not IRP registered

  • AND your carrier is not IFTA registered

Both registration and fuel tax compliance are enforced separately in Kentucky.

5. Enforcement in Kentucky

Kentucky enforces permit compliance through:

  • Weigh stations

  • Roadside inspections

  • Commercial vehicle enforcement officers

Inspectors commonly check:

  • Trip permit validity

  • Fuel permit or IFTA credentials

  • Vehicle weight and registration status

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

 Assuming a trip permit covers fuel taxes
 Entering Kentucky with no permits
 Confusing IRP with IFTA requirements
 Carrying expired or incorrect permits

7. Best Practice for Carriers

 Verify IRP and IFTA status before entry
 Obtain required permits before crossing state lines
 Keep permits accessible in the cab
 Use a professional permit service if unsure

Final Takeaway

  • Trip Permit = Temporary registration

  • Fuel Permit = Temporary fuel tax compliance

  • They serve different purposes and do not replace each other

Knowing the difference ensures legal operation in Kentucky and prevents unnecessary fines or delays.

 

https://drive.ky.gov/Motor-Carriers/Pages/KYU.aspx