By Hannah Hilst | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed December 06, 2023
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Driving requires you to be alert to everything on the road nonstop. One mistake can cause a severe car accident or cause you to see the flashing lights of a Kentucky state police officer in your rearview mirror.
Following the law to prevent a traffic stop is usually easier than fighting a ticket. Learn more about the state's driving rules in this article.
You can find the statewide driving laws in Title XVI of the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS). The chart below highlights a few basic traffic laws all Kentucky drivers should know.
| Drinking & Driving Violations | Driving Under the Influence (KRS Chapter 189A) |
|---|---|
| Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License | Operators' licenses (KRS 186.410)Unlawful to drive or permit another to drive without license (KRS 186.620) |
| Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance | Financial Responsibility Law (KRS Chapter 187) |
| Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration | Registration requirement (KRS 186.020) |
| Illegal U-Turn | Turning around on curve or grade (KRS 189.400) |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run | Duty in case of accident (KRS 189.580) |
| Mechanical Violations and Unlawful Vehicle Modifications | Vehicle Equipment (KRS Chapter 189 sections .020 to .205) |
| Reckless Driving | Operator of vehicle to drive carefully (KRS 189.290) |
| Running a Red Light / Stop Sign | Traffic control signals (KRS 189.338) |
| Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations | Requirements of use of seat belts and child restraint systems (KRS 189.125) |
| Speeding | Speed (KRS 189.390)Fines for speeding (KRS 189.394) |
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online services give you a convenient way to follow a few license and registration laws, such as:
Kentucky courts often allow drivers to pay traffic citation fines online, too. You may still need to attend a scheduled court date if you pay online.
Law enforcement officers often issue traffic tickets for law-breaking behavior like:
The penalties for a violation can vary. For example, driving too slow in the left lane may lead to a minor fine, but driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to hundreds of dollars in fines, jail time, and up to 30 days in jail, even if it's your first offense.
Like many other states, Kentucky tracks traffic violations with points on your driver's license. These point values range from zero to six, depending on the severity of the violation.
You could face license suspension if you get 12 points within two years. Drivers under 18 face a stricter limit of seven points within two years. However, you can contest the ticket to defend your driving privileges at your court hearing.
If the police cited you for a traffic violation or criminal offense, you have options. You can accept the fines and other penalties, or you can fight the ticket. A skilled traffic law attorney can help you review your case and advocate for your rights. If you ran a stop sign or violated Kentucky traffic laws in some other way, an attorney can be a powerful advocate in your corner.
Contact a qualified traffic ticket attorney to help you get the best result possible.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.