Kentucky Farm Exemptions and Agricultural Transport Permits

Nov. 17, 2025, 6:05 p.m.
Kentucky provides several exemptions and specialized permits to support farmers, agricultural carriers, and seasonal operations. Understanding these rules helps ensure legal, efficient, and cost-effective farm transport throughout the state. This guide explains when exemptions apply, what requires a permit, and how to stay compliant when moving agricultural goods or equipment in Kentucky.
Agricultural Transport Permits

What Are Kentucky’s Farm Exemptions?

Farm exemptions allow qualified vehicles to operate without meeting certain registration, licensing, or permit requirements. These exemptions are designed to help farmers move equipment and agricultural products with less administrative burden.

Kentucky may provide exemptions for:

  • Farm-plated vehicles

  • Intrastate agricultural moves within a short radius

  • Transport of farm machinery between fields or farm locations

  • Certain weight allowances for agricultural commodities during harvest seasons

These exemptions only apply under specific conditions and do not eliminate all compliance requirements.

Who Qualifies for Farm Exemptions?

Carriers or individuals typically qualify if:

  • The vehicle is owned or leased by a farmer

  • The vehicle is used exclusively for agricultural purposes

  • The move occurs within the allowed farm radius

  • The cargo consists of farm supplies, equipment, livestock, or harvested crops

Commercial, for-hire, or interstate carriers generally do not qualify unless moving agricultural commodities within specific seasonal rules.

When a Permit Is Still Required

Even with farm exemptions, certain movements still require a Kentucky trucking permit.

A permit is required when:

1. Equipment or loads exceed legal size limits

This includes:

  • Oversize farm machinery

  • Implements wider than standard legal width

  • Tall equipment requiring route review due to bridge clearances

2. Loads exceed Kentucky’s weight limits

Seasonal commodity allowances may offer additional tolerance, but overweight moves generally require a permit.

3. Transport occurs on state highways beyond local farm areas

Even farm vehicles lose some exemptions when moving long distances or leaving agricultural zones.

4. The move involves commercial transportation for compensation

For-hire carriers generally must obtain permits, even when transporting agricultural goods.

Kentucky Agricultural Transport Permits

When exemptions do not apply, carriers may obtain agricultural-specific permits to move oversized or overweight farm-related loads.

These permits may cover:

  • Farm machinery transport between farms or to a repair shop

  • Seed, feed, or fertilizer deliveries

  • Livestock transport for farms or auctions

  • Harvested crops moved to storage, processing, or sale points

Permits ensure safe routing around bridges, narrow roads, and weight-restricted areas.

Seasonal Commodity Weight Exemptions

During harvest seasons, Kentucky may allow:

  • Increased weight limits for agricultural loads

  • Reduced permit requirements in certain counties

  • Flexibility for short-distance hauls

These exemptions help farmers move large volumes quickly—but overweight limits still apply on certain highways, bridges, and interstates.

Farm Vehicle Registration and Marking Requirements

Even exempt vehicles often must follow basic requirements, such as:

  • Proper farm license plates

  • Clear vehicle marking when required

  • Compliance with lighting and safety equipment laws

  • Insurance and operator’s license rules

Failing to meet these conditions may void the exemption.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without the proper permits or falsely claiming farm exemptions can result in:

  • Fines

  • Out-of-service orders

  • Delays at inspection points

  • Enforcement action by Kentucky State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE)

Is an Agricultural Transport Permit Required for Your Fleet?

A permit is likely needed if:

  • Equipment is wider than KY’s legal limits

  • You transport agricultural goods commercially

  • You cross long distances or operate on major state routes

  • You exceed weight limits even during harvest seasons