Kentucky laws by category

Consumer fireworks (including aerials) are legal to buy and use statewide in Kentucky, but you must be 18 or older, and fireworks may not be ignited within 200 feet of any structure, vehicle or other person (KRS 227.715(11)). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

No permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun in Kentucky at 21 or older if you can lawfully possess a firearm. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Radar detectors are legal in private passenger vehicles in Kentucky — Kentucky's traffic and vehicle-equipment chapter (KRS chapter 189) has no ban on them. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Kentucky, from February 15–April 30 and October 1–December 15 you may not set a fire in or within 150 feet of woodland or brushland except between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. or on snow-covered ground (KRS 149.400); penalty: $100–$500 fine, up to 6 months in jail, or both (KRS 149.991). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Kentucky, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16 (15 & under exempt). Licenses are issued by the Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KDFWR).

6% state sales and use tax on retail sales. There are no local sales taxes in Kentucky, so the 6% rate applies statewide.

Kentucky allows medical cannabis only — recreational use is illegal (KRS Chapter 218B). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Kentucky, all hunters and persons accompanying them must wear hunter orange when hunting any species in daylight during the modern gun, muzzleloader and youth firearm deer seasons or a firearm elk or bear season. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Kentucky sports betting is legal — retail plus statewide online/mobile apps — and the minimum age is now 21 (raised from 18). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Kentucky, no one under 12 may operate a PWC or a motorboat over 10 hp. Residents 12 to 17 may do so only with a safe boating certificate in possession or a person 18 or older on board; non-residents 12 to 17 must carry a Kentucky or other-state safe boating certificate (KRS 235.285).

Kentucky has no statute banning automatic/switchblade knives by type, but any knife other than an ordinary pocket or hunting knife is a 'deadly weapon' (KRS 500.080(4)); carrying one concealed without a license is lawful only for adults 21+ who may lawfully possess a firearm (KRS 237.109, 527.020). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Kentucky (KRS 500.130(12), amended effective June 27, 2025) bars using a drone to record an image of privately owned real property, or of its owner, tenant, occupant, invitee or licensee, with intent to conduct surveillance on them or publish unauthorized images, in violation of their reasonable expectation of privacy. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.