UCR Enforcement in Kentucky

Always register your UCR here:

https://www.fmcsa.me/

What Is UCR — and How It Applies in Kentucky

• UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) is a federally mandated program. Carriers that operate in interstate (or international) commerce — including motor carriers, private carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies — must register and pay UCR fees.  

• In Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Motor Carriers, enforces UCR compliance as part of its motor-carrier credentialing.  

• According to Kentucky’s administrative regulations (601 KAR 1:040), carriers that choose Kentucky as their “base state” or are based in Kentucky and operate interstate must register under UCR.  

• The UCR fees to be paid are the ones set by federal regulations (specifically 49 CFR Part 367). 

How Enforcement Happens in Practice

1. Credential & Registration Requirement

   • When an interstate carrier applies for credentials with KYTC (e.g., a “KYU” number, or other operating authority) through their motor-carrier application, they must demonstrate UCR compliance.  

   • As part of motor-carrier credentialing, Kentucky requires applicants to include proof of UCR registration/receipt. For example, in their application form for motor-carrier authority, they ask for a current year UCR receipt.  

2. Inspections & Roadside Enforcement

   • During roadside inspections, enforcement officers can check UCR compliance. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has a UCR enforcement bulletin: if a carrier is non-compliant (i.e., UCR fees not paid), a violation “392.2 UCR – Failure to pay UCR fees” can be noted.  

   • Importantly, you don’t carry a physical “UCR card”: there’s no UCR credential that must be carried in the vehicle. Instead, enforcement checks are done via databases like CVIEW, SAFER, or through the UCR Plan website.  

3. Penalties & Consequences

   • If a carrier is found to be noncompliant (has not paid UCR fees), that violation can be documented on inspection reports. Over time, persistent noncompliance can lead to more serious consequences.  

   • According to a research report, a carrier charged with a UCR violation may be required to pay outstanding UCR fees, and a criminal charge may even apply: “the driver will … be charged with a criminal violation … which carries a fine and court costs … in the district court of the county where the citation was written.”  

   • For reinstatement (if UCR is not paid) KY’s IFTA manual states there is a $500 “failure to file/pay” fee before reinstating credentials.  

Key Regulatory / Legal Basis in Kentucky

• Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR):

  • 601 KAR 1:040 governs motor-carrier registration in KY, and explicitly incorporates UCR via the “Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005” for those that operate interstate.  

  • 601 KAR 9:040 deals with motor-vehicle identification cards, which are required documents in vehicles; while not directly UCR, these vehicle ID cards are part of carriers’ regulatory compliance.  

• KY Motor-Carrier Application: When applying for operating authority, carriers must submit a UCR receipt (i.e., proof of UCR payment).  

Practical Advice for Carriers Operating in or Through Kentucky

• Make sure your UCR registration is up to date every year. The UCR plan collects the fees annually.  

• When completing your MCS-150 or similar motor-carrier registration documents, align your fleet data (number of vehicles, DOT number, etc.) with what you will register in UCR — underreporting or overreporting vehicles may cause issues, including during inspections.

• Save your UCR proof (receipt): since KYTC requires this in some of their carrier applications, you’ll likely need to refer to it.

• During roadside inspections, be ready: although there’s no “UCR card,” inspectors can verify via electronic systems (CVIEW, SAFER, UCR enforcement site).

• If you fall out of compliance, respond quickly: nonpayment can lead to a fine, inspection violation, or even criminal charges, depending on the severity and recurrence.

Why UCR Enforcement Matters in Kentucky

• Regulatory Integrity: By enforcing UCR, Kentucky helps ensure that interstate carriers contribute their fair share to the funding pool that supports safety, enforcement, and administrative costs.

• Safety and Compliance: Enforcement through roadside inspections ensures that carriers aren’t skirting the system, which helps maintain a level playing field and supports road safety.

• Revenue Use: According to UCR rules, funds collected go toward UCR-related enforcement and safety programs, not infrastructure.