Kentucky offers a varied landscape for your next motorcycle trip. From the rolling hills to the forests to the Appalachian Mountains. Riders can explore the scenic beauty of the Bourbon Trail and the Eye of the Dragon through the Red River Gorge. Before setting out to explore this beautiful state on your next motorcycle trip, familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations for your ride.
A Motorcycle License in Kentucky
In Kentucky, the law does not permit anyone to operate a motorcycle on the public roads without a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. This license must have a valid motorcycle operator’s endorsement. You may also operate a motorcycle with a motorcycle license, or an instruction permit.
Equipment Required on Motorcycles in Kentucky
In Kentucky, your motorcycle must have the following equipment to be taken on the roads:
- Registration
- Proof of liability insurance
- Turn signals
- Good tires
- Brake light
- Front and rear brakes
- Muffler and tailpipe
- Horn
- Taillight
- One headlight, a high beam and a low beam
- Rearview mirror
- A seat and footrest
Helmet and Safety Gear Laws in Kentucky
- All motorcycle riders under the age of 21 are required by law to wear a helmet. The helmet must meet federal safety standards.
- If you are riding your motorcycle with an instruction permit, you must wear a helmet that has been approved by the Department of Transportation, no matter your age.
- These rules apply to you if you have had a motorcycle operator’s license for under one year.
Clothing for Riding Your Motorcycle in Kentucky
The clothing options you choose must be comfortable, but they also need to protect you from the hot moving parts of your motorcycle. Clothing will also help other motorists see you.
Pants and Jacket
It is recommended that you wear long pants and a jacket that covers all of your skin when you ride your motorcycle. Leather provides the most protection, but synthetic material also works well for this purpose. You must wear a jacket even if the weather is warm. This prevents you from becoming dehydrated. These jackets can be comfortably worn in the summertime because they do not cause you to become overheated.
Gloves
Gloves are the best option because they provide the most protection for your hands in the event that you crash. They also allow you to grip your handlebars better. The best material for gloves is leather.
Shoes or Boots
Your shoes or boots must cover your ankles and offer these areas support. The soles must be slip-resistant and made from durable material. It is not a good idea to wear high heels because these can become caught on rough surfaces. If your shoes have laces, make sure to tuck them in so that they do not catch on anything on your motorcycle.
Liability Insurance Coverage in Kentucky
To ride a motorcycle on the roads of Kentucky, you must have the required liability limits of insurance coverage. Everyone is required to purchase this coverage so that each person has the ability to take financial responsibility for the collision, no matter who caused it. You must purchase this coverage in the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability for one person: $25,000.
- Bodily injury liability for one accident: $50,000.
- Property damage liability for one accident: $25,000.
You must carry proof of liability insurance and your registration every time that you ride your motorcycle.
Alcohol Consumption in Kentucky
If you are 21 years of age or older, your blood alcohol content or BAC must not be higher than 0.08% when you ride your motorcycle. If you are under the age of 21, your BAC may only be as high as 0.02%.
Lane Splitting in Kentucky
Riding in between slowed or stopped vehicles in traffic is known as “lane splitting,” and Kentucky does not have a specific law against this practice. Although this is the case, law enforcement officers may pull you over because of lane splitting. This will occur if the officer believes that you are operating your motorcycle in an unsafe manner.