Understanding Kentuckys Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division

Oct. 26, 2025, 4:20 p.m.
Trucking across Kentucky means sharing the road with one of the most active safety enforcement agencies in the region — the Kentucky Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Division. Understanding how this division operates can help carriers and drivers stay compliant, avoid violations, and keep Kentucky’s highways safe for everyone.
Understanding Kentuckys Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division

What Is the Kentucky Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division?

The CVE Division is a specialized branch of the Kentucky State Police (KSP) responsible for enforcing state and federal trucking regulations. Their main goal is to ensure that commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operating in and through Kentucky comply with safety, weight, and tax laws.

CVE officers have authority to:

  • Conduct roadside inspections

  • Weigh and measure vehicles for compliance

  • Enforce Hours of Service (HOS), ELD, and permit requirements

  • Investigate accidents involving commercial trucks

Where CVE Officers Operate

CVE officers are stationed across the state at:

  • Permanent weigh stations along major highways like I-65, I-64, and I-75

  • Mobile inspection units that can perform checks anywhere in Kentucky

  • Ports of entry where out-of-state carriers enter the state

Their presence ensures that trucks meet Kentucky Weight Distance Tax (KYU) requirements, are properly registered under IFTA/IRP, and follow FMCSA safety standards.

What Officers Look For

During an inspection, CVE officers typically review:

  • Driver credentials: CDL, medical certificate, HOS logs, and ELD data

  • Vehicle compliance: brakes, tires, lights, suspension, and load securement

  • Permits and registration: IFTA decals, KYU number, trip or fuel permits

  • Weight compliance: to prevent road damage and ensure fairness among carriers

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to meet Kentucky’s trucking standards can lead to:

  • Fines or citations for overweight or unsafe vehicles

  • Out-of-service orders for drivers or equipment

  • Penalties for missing or invalid KYU numbers

  • CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score impacts

How to Stay Compliant

  • Perform thorough pre-trip inspections before every haul.

  • Keep your IFTA, KYU, and registration paperwork up to date.

  • Ensure your ELD and logbooks are accurate and accessible.

  • Stay informed about Kentucky-specific route and permit regulations.

  • Be polite and cooperative during CVE inspections — professionalism matters.

Final Thoughts

The Kentucky Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division isn’t just about issuing fines — it’s about promoting safe and responsible trucking. By understanding what CVE officers look for and maintaining compliance, carriers and drivers can reduce downtime, avoid penalties, and keep freight moving safely across the Bluegrass State.