WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 268

AN ACT relating to nondivisible loads.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Nunn

Defines nondivisible loads for state highways, including electric vehicle batteries, with criteria (unable to split, value loss, or >4 hours to dismantle) for permitting.

to Committee on Committees (S)
#highways #streets #andbridges #motorcarriers #transportation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 268

Summary of SB 268 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes and clarifies definitions related to road transportation within Kentucky, with a focus on nondivisible loads and certain highway-related terms.
  • The bill updates statutory language in KRS 189.010 to align definitions for highway operations, vehicle classifications, and related concepts, including a specific focus on nondivisible loads and electric vehicle batteries on state-maintained highways.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Nondivisible Load (Definition and Criteria)

    • Reframes “nondivisible load” for state highways not part of the national truck network.
    • A load or vehicle can be deemed nondivisible if: 1) If separated into smaller loads/vehicles, it would compromise the intended use of the vehicle. 2) It would destroy the value of the load or vehicle, making it unusable for its purpose. 3) It would require more than four work hours to dismantle and reassemble using appropriate equipment.
    • Also includes nondivisible-load consideration for any state-maintained highway, explicitly noting that electric vehicle batteries are included within this concept.
    • The definition distinguishes these criteria from other highway network considerations and provides a standard for when a load is treated as nondivisible.

  • Electric Vehicle Batteries on State-Managed Highways

    • Explicitly includes electric vehicle batteries within the scope of nondivisible-load considerations on state-maintained highways.

  • Broad Legislative Definitions Updated or Clarified

    • Numerous definitions related to highways, vehicles, and road use are set or clarified, including:
    • Department of Highways
    • Crosswalk
    • Highway, Intersection, Roadway, Safety Zone
    • Vehicle types (motor vehicle, motor truck, semitrailer, trailer, truck tractor)
    • Pedestrians, right-of-way, and safety concepts
    • Various exclusions from “motor vehicle” (e.g., construction equipment, rail vehicles, electric low-speed scooters, certain farm or utility vehicles)
    • Terms related to visibility and glazing (reflectance, transmittance, sunscreening)
    • Definitions of “highway work zone” and related terms

  • Other Notable Definitions (Non-exhaustive)

    • Clarifies what constitutes a highway, an intersection, a safety zone, and a work zone.
    • Defines electric low-speed scooters for regulatory clarity.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Motor Vehicle Operators and Shippers
    • Those transporting heavy or unusual loads that may be nondivisible on state highways, especially on non-national truck network routes.
  • Businesses and Municipalities
    • Entities planning transport of oversized or special loads, including electric vehicle batteries, on state-maintained highways.
  • State Agencies
    • The Kentucky Department of Highways and relevant highway authorities would apply these definitions in enforcement and permitting contexts.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status and Process
    • Introduced in the Kentucky Senate on February 26, 2026.
    • Referred to the Committee on Committees (which typically handles scheduling and referrals for bill consideration).
  • Effective Date
    • The text provided does not specify an effective date; if enacted, the effective date would normally be set in the final Act or as required by statute.

Practical Impact and Considerations

  • By defining nondivisible loads with concrete criteria (including a four-hour dismantling threshold), the bill provides a framework for determining when a load cannot be split for transport without compromising function.
  • The explicit inclusion of electric vehicle batteries signals regulatory attention to emerging transportation technologies and their unique handling on state highways.
  • Overall, the bill aims to give clearer regulatory guidance for load planning, permitting, and potential enforcement related to complex or oversized transport on Kentucky’s state highway system.

If you’d like, I can compare these definitions to current Kentucky law or provide a concise one-page briefing for policymakers or stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.