Proposed Kentucky Statute — Permanent Disabled Person License Plates

Dear Representative Lawrence and Representative Maddox,

I am writing to respectfully request your support for legislation establishing Permanent Disabled Person License Plates in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, building upon the principles reflected in House Bill 162, which you co-authored.

Kentucky currently requires many disabled residents to undergo repeated renewals, paperwork, and associated fees for license plates despite having permanent, lifelong disabilities. This places an unnecessary administrative and financial burden on individuals who are already navigating complex medical, accessibility, and economic challenges.

Several neighboring states, including Tennessee, have adopted policies that allow for permanent, non-expiring license plates for disabled veterans, recognizing that a permanent condition does not require repeated verification. Kentucky has the opportunity to take this concept a step further by extending this same dignity and efficiency to all permanently disabled individuals, not just veterans.

Establishing Permanent Disabled Person License Plates would:

- Reduce bureaucratic hurdles for disabled Kentuckians;

- Eliminate recurring registration fees for individuals with permanent disabilities;

- Decrease administrative workload for county clerks and state agencies;

- Promote fairness, dignity, and common-sense governance.

This proposal does not expand parking privileges or create new classifications—it simply recognizes that a permanent disability should not require repeated proof year after year. It aligns with conservative principles of limited government, reduced red tape, and fiscal efficiency, while also reflecting compassion and respect for disabled citizens.

Given your leadership on HB162 and your demonstrated commitment to addressing inequities in Kentucky law, your support for this policy would carry significant weight. I respectfully ask that you consider sponsoring or supporting legislation to authorize Permanent Disabled Person License Plates for qualifying Kentuckians.

Thank you for your time, service, and continued dedication to the people of the Commonwealth. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further or provide additional information if helpful.

Proposed Kentucky Statute — Permanent Disabled Person License Plates

SECTION 1. Title and Purpose

KRS Chapter 186.XXX — Permanent Disabled Person and Disabled Veteran License Plates

The purpose of this statute is to authorize the issuance of free, permanent, non-expiring motor vehicle registration plates to Kentucky residents who qualify as disabled persons or disabled veterans, thereby eliminating annual renewal fees for those with qualifying disabilities.

SECTION 2. Definitions

As used in this section:

“Cabinet” means the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

“Motor vehicle” means a passenger vehicle, truck, or motor home that is normally required to be registered under KRS Chapters 186 and 186A, and that is owned by a disabled person or disabled veteran.

“Disabled person” means a resident of Kentucky with a permanent disability certified by competent medical evidence, including but not limited to:

Loss or permanent loss of use of one or more limbs;

Permanent impairment of vision in both eyes meeting statutory criteria;

Any other permanent disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

“Disabled veteran” means a resident of Kentucky who served in the U.S. armed forces and is entitled to compensation under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for a service-connected disability or a 100% permanent total disability rating.

SECTION 3. Issuance of Permanent Disabled License Plates

(1) The Cabinet shall provide and issue, free of charge, permanent disabled person license plates to any Kentucky resident who qualifies under this section.

(2) A disabled person or disabled veteran who qualifies under this section shall be entitled to have one set of disabled person license plates issued for use on one motor vehicle registered in their name. Additional disabled plates may be issued at no cost under the same eligibility criteria.

(3) The disabled person or disabled veteran must provide documentation of disability to the Cabinet or the county clerk, including a physician’s certification or a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating letter.

SECTION 4. Plate Features and Validity

(1) Disabled person plates issued under this section shall bear the words “Disabled Person” or “Disabled Veteran” and may include a symbol denoting disability recognition.

(2) Plates issued under this section shall not expire and shall be exempt from annual registration renewal fees.

(3) The disabled person or disabled veteran may transfer the plates to a replacement vehicle owned by the same person by complying with normal vehicle transfer procedures, without paying additional fees.

SECTION 5. Parking Privileges

A vehicle displaying a permanent disabled person or disabled veteran license plate issued under this section shall be afforded the same parking privileges provided under Kentucky law for vehicles displaying disabled parking license plates or placards.

SECTION 6. Implementation

The Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of this section and ensure proper verification of disability eligibility.

Notes / Policy Intent

This draft is modeled on Tennessee’s existing disabled veteran license plate statute, which provides free plates for qualified disabled veterans and defines disability criteria. 

FindLaw Codes

Unlike current Kentucky law, which requires annual renewal and generally charges fees except for 100% disabled veterans, and currently does not extend permanent free plates to all disabled persons, this proposal expands eligibility to all permanently disabled persons and veterans. 

Justia Law +1

The statute is designed to provide permanent, non-expiring plates rather than yearly renewals, comparable to benefits available in Tennessee and other states.