1. What Is a Farm Truck in Kentucky?

A farm truck in Kentucky is a vehicle used primarily for transporting:

• Agricultural products

• Farm supplies

• Livestock

• Farm equipment

• Materials essential to farm operation

To qualify, the vehicle must be registered as a farm truck with the Kentucky County Clerk.

2. Kentucky Farm License Plates (“Farm Tags”)

Farm-use vehicles may obtain special Farm (F) license plates that offer reduced registration fees compared to standard commercial plates.

Benefits:

• Lower annual registration cost

• Exemption from some commercial licensing requirements

• Ability to operate intrastate for agricultural purposes

Limitations:

• Non-agricultural use is restricted

• Typically limited to hauling for the owner’s farm only

• Some mileage restrictions may apply depending on weight class

3. Farm Truck Weight Categories

Kentucky farm plates are available for several gross weight categories, often from 12,000 lbs to 80,000+ lbs. Fees increase with weight, but remain lower than commercial truck rates.

Vehicles exceeding standard state weight limits still require overweight permits unless exempted under agricultural exemptions.

4. Exemptions From KYU Number Requirements

A KYU number (Kentucky Weight Distance Tax license) is normally required for carriers operating over 59,999 pounds GVW in Kentucky.

However, farm vehicles are exempt if:

• The vehicle is registered with farm plates, and

• The truck is being used for farm-related purposes only.

If used commercially outside farm operations, the exemption no longer applies.

5. IFTA and Fuel Tax Exemptions

Farm trucks exclusively used for non-commercial farm operations are generally exempt from IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) and fuel trip permits when operating solely within Kentucky.

Travel outside Kentucky, or hauling commercially, may require:

• Temporary KY fuel permit

• IFTA credentials

• IRP apportioned plates (for interstate operation)

6. Operating Farm Trucks on Kentucky Highways

Farm trucks must comply with:

• Standard weight and size limits

• Safety regulations (lights, brakes, tires)

• CDL requirements for drivers, unless exempt (e.g., covered farm vehicle exemption)

Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV) CDL Exemption

Kentucky follows federal rules allowing certain farm vehicle drivers to operate without a CDL when:

• Operating within 150 air miles from the farm

• Transporting agricultural goods

• Not hauling for-hire

7. Oversize/Overweight Rules for Farm Equipment

Some agricultural movements qualify for exemptions from oversize/overweight permits, such as:

• Self-propelled farm machinery

• Farm implements transported short distances on rural roads

However, trucks hauling commodities (grain, hay, livestock, etc.) must follow normal rules unless a specific exemption applies.

Temporary overweight exemptions may be issued during harvest seasons for commodities like grain or livestock.

8. Farm Exemptions for USDOT Numbers

Kentucky generally follows federal rules:

• Intrastate-only farm trucks may be exempt from needing a USDOT number.

• Interstate farm operations require USDOT numbers and must follow FMCSA regulations.

If the truck crosses state lines—even for agricultural reasons—a USDOT number is required.

9. When Farm Trucks Do Need Permits

Even with farm exemptions, permits are required when:

• Exceeding KY legal weight limits without a qualifying agricultural exemption

• Transporting oversize loads such as wide hay bales

• Commercial hauling for hire

• Operating outside agricultural-related use

10. Penalties for Misuse of Farm Plates

Misusing farm plates can lead to:

• Fines

• Reclassification to commercial status

• Back taxes and fees

• Possible loss of exemptions

Common violations include using farm trucks for construction, logging, commercial delivery, or personal hauling.

Summary