Kentucky Weight Distance (KYU): Everything You Need to Know
If you’re a truck operator driving heavy commercial vehicles through Kentucky, you may need a KYU license.
This tax requirement is part of the Kentucky Weight Distance system, which helps maintain Kentucky roadways and supports safe, legal trucking operations.
Understanding how the KYU tax works, who needs it, and how to stay compliant can help motor carriers avoid penalties, late fees, and disruptions to their business.
What Is the Kentucky Weight Distance Tax?
The Kentucky Weight Distance Tax is a quarterly road use tax charged to carriers operating vehicles with a combined license weight greater than 59,999 pounds. It applies to both interstate carriers and intrastate carriers traveling on Kentucky highways and Kentucky roads.
The KYU tax is calculated based on the miles traveled in Kentucky and the vehicle’s weight. The heavier the truck and the more distance covered, the more you’ll owe. This weight-distance tax applies to commercial vehicles, including for-hire fleets and vehicles owned by private businesses, unless exempt.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet manages the KYU license program and collects the tax to support highway maintenance and other infrastructure projects.
Who Needs a KYU Permit?
You need a KYU permit if your gross vehicle weight or combined weight exceeds 59,999 pounds and you’re operating vehicles on Kentucky roadways. This includes qualified vehicles used for regular trips or even just passing through.
Both interstate carriers (traveling across state lines) and carriers making infrequent travel into Kentucky are subject to the rules. If your fleet is based entirely in-state, you may instead need a Kentucky Intrastate Tax (KIT) number.
KYU vs. KIT Numbers
The KIT number applies to trucks that operate only within Kentucky. If you’re a motor carrier with a gross weight above the 59,999-pound limit but never leave the state, the Kentucky Intrastate Tax rules apply.
Carriers that travel in both Kentucky and other states must comply with both KYU and IFTA licensing rules. Understanding the difference between KYU and KIT numbers helps you avoid mistakes and stay in good standing with regulators.
Understanding the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) helps carriers report and pay fuel taxes when traveling in member jurisdictions. If your fleet operates in Kentucky and at least one other IFTA jurisdiction, you need an IFTA license in addition to your KYU credentials.
The IFTA program simplifies reporting for taxes on special fuels and ensures accurate mileage tracking across state lines. It works alongside the KYU tax, not as a replacement.
How the KYU Tax Is Calculated
The KYU tax is calculated based on how many miles are traveled in Kentucky and the gross vehicle weight of each truck. A higher tax rate applies to heavy vehicles compared to lighter ones.
To file correctly, truck operators must keep track of:
- Vehicle information, including unit number, title number, and license plate
- Mileage driven in Kentucky
- Total gross weight or combined weight
- Trips made per quarter
Accurate logs are critical. You can use electronic logging devices (ELDs), mileage tracking software, or paper logs, but records must be complete. Reporting incorrect or zero miles when travel occurred can lead to fines and audits.
KYU Licensing and Registration
To obtain a KYU number, you must first register with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This process involves:
- Submitting a valid USDOT number
- Verifying Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) status
- Listing your vehicle’s combined license weight
- Confirming your fleet qualifies as operating vehicles
Your KYU number must be visibly displayed on your truck, just like any other tax license. If you’re making regular trips through Kentucky, a permanent KYU license is best. For infrequent travel, you can request a temporary permit instead.
Temporary Permits for Infrequent Travel
Not all carriers need a full KYU license. If your truck only enters Kentucky once in a while, a trip permit is a simple solution. This temporary permit is valid for ten days and covers one truck at a time.
It’s a cost-effective way to meet Kentucky weight distance rules without the burden of quarterly filings. Just be sure to get the permit before your truck enters the state to avoid citations or fines.
Filing Quarterly Reports and Paying the KYU Tax
The KYU tax must be filed every quarter, even if your fleet drove zero miles in Kentucky during that time. Quarterly deadlines are:
- Q1 (Jan–Mar): Due April 30
- Q2 (Apr–Jun): Due July 31
- Q3 (Jul–Sep): Due October 31
- Q4 (Oct–Dec): Due January 31
To pay the tax, you’ll need to report your miles traveled in Kentucky and match them to your vehicle’s weight. Late filings can result in fees, interest charges, or even a suspended KYU license.
Repeat offenses may lead to license cancellation and a revocation fee to reinstate your authority. Filing on time, every time, keeps your business in good standing.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Certain farm-plated vehicles, emergency service units, and vehicles owned by government agencies or nonprofits may be exempt from the Kentucky weight distance permit requirement. These exemptions are limited and depend on the vehicle’s weight, use, and ownership.
Always check with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet before assuming you’re exempt. Incorrect filings can lead to audits or back taxes.
Staying Compliant to Avoid Penalties
Non-compliance with Kentucky weight rules can lead to serious trouble for motor carriers. Common violations include:
- Operating without a valid KYU number
- Filing quarterly reports late or not at all
- Paying the wrong tax amount
- Failing to get a temporary permit for infrequent travel
These violations can result in:
- Hefty fees and fines
- Suspended or canceled licenses
- Being placed out-of-service
- A damaged safety record
To avoid penalties, stay organized and file on time. Use tools that track mileage automatically, and make sure all your vehicle information is accurate.
Best Practices for KYU Compliance
Here’s how carriers can stay compliant and reduce the risk of penalties:
- File your quarterly reports by each deadline
- Keep accurate logs for every unit number
- Confirm your gross weight matches the KYU license filed
- Use digital tools to manage your fleet’s weight-distance data
- Apply for a trip permit in advance if you’re not licensed
- Know the rules for both KYU and KIT number if you operate in multiple states
Following these steps makes it easier to stay in compliance and keep your trucks moving legally across Kentucky highways.
Get Help With KYU Filings
Navigating the KYU system can be confusing, especially if you’re also managing IFTA, UCR, and KIT requirements. That’s where FCCR can help.
Our sister site, Moving Authority, and our in-house team provide full support for:
- Registering your KYU license or temporary permit
- Filing quarterly reports
- Verifying compliance with IFTA license and Unified Carrier Registration
- Tracking miles and tax liability for commercial vehicles
We help truck operators file on time, stay accurate, and reduce the chance of fines. Let us handle the paperwork, so you can focus on driving and growing your business.
FCCR simplifies filing your KYU, ensuring accuracy and efficiency while freeing up your time to focus on your business.
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