Differences Between Kentucky Trip Permits and Fuel Permits

Dec. 3, 2025, 5:13 p.m.
Kentucky requires out-of-state carriers to meet specific compliance rules before operating within the state. Two of the most commonly misunderstood requirements are the Kentucky Trip Permit and the Kentucky Fuel Permit. While both are temporary operating permits, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference helps carriers avoid fines and operate legally when they don’t hold permanent credentials.
Kentucky Trip and Fuel Permits

1. What Is a Kentucky Trip Permit?

A Kentucky Temporary Trip Permit allows a commercial vehicle that is not registered under IRP (International Registration Plan) to legally travel through Kentucky.

You need a KY Trip Permit if:

  • Your vehicle is over 26,000 pounds, or

  • You operate a combination vehicle with a combined weight over 26,000 pounds, and

  • You do not have IRP apportioned plates from your home state

Purpose

It replaces the need for apportioned IRP credentials for a short period, typically:

  • Validity:  10 days.

What it covers

A Kentucky Trip Permit only covers vehicle registration requirements—nothing related to fuel tax.

2. What Is a Kentucky Fuel Permit (KYU Permit Alternative)?

Kentucky enforces a special weight-distance tax through the Kentucky Highway Use License (KYU). Carriers who do not have an active KYU number but want to operate temporarily in the state must purchase a Kentucky Temporary Fuel Permit.

You need a KY Fuel Permit if:

  • You operate a vehicle over 59,999 pounds GVW

  • You travel through Kentucky without a permanent KYU account

Purpose

The fuel permit serves as a temporary KYU requirement, allowing overweight commercial vehicles to pay taxes for miles driven in the state.

What it covers

It covers Kentucky’s weight-distance tax, not registration or IRP requirements.

Validity

  • Typically  10 days.

3. Key Differences at a Glance

Feature Kentucky Trip Permit Kentucky Fuel Permit (KYU Substitute)
Purpose Temporary IRP/registration Temporary KYU weight-distance tax coverage
Required For Vehicles over 26,000 lbs without IRP plates Vehicles over 59,999 lbs without KYU number
Tax Coverage None Covers KYU tax requirements
Weight Threshold 26,001+ lbs 60,000+ lbs
Validity 24–72 hours 24–72 hours
Applies To All qualifying interstate trucks Heavier trucks only

4. Do Some Carriers Need Both Permits?

Yes.
A carrier may need both if:

  • The vehicle does not have IRP plates
    and

  • The vehicle is over 59,999 lbs and does not have a KYU account

In that case, the carrier must purchase:

 A Kentucky Trip Permit
 A Kentucky Fuel Permit (KYU temporary)

Both must be valid during the time of travel.

5. Penalties for Missing Permits

Operating in Kentucky without the required credentials can lead to:

  • Fines commonly ranging $100–$500+

  • Being required to buy permits roadside at higher costs

  • Possible vehicle detainment depending on weight and enforcement officer discretion

Summary

Kentucky Trip Permits and Fuel Permits are often confused, but they serve two completely different compliance roles:

  • Trip Permits handle temporary registration (IRP).

  • Fuel Permits handle the KYU weight-distance tax.

Knowing which permit applies—and when—is essential for interstate carriers operating legally in Kentucky.