Kentucky Driving & Traffic Violations

For more information regarding Commercial Driver's License (CDL) related offenses, please click here.

Driving in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is a privilege in the eyes of the law, not a right. It is one of the most fundamental operations in our lives as adults. Having driving privileges suspended or revoked can be a huge disruption. It can also lead you into a trap of continual run-ins with police and the court system. Leaving traffic violations unresolved can even lead to a warrant for your arrest. 

 

However, many people don’t understand that simply paying a traffic ticket constitutes a guilty plea and adds points to your license.

Kentucky Driver Point System

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet keeps a driving history for all licensed Kentucky drivers. Each driver begins with a clean slate every year and may not accumulate more than 12 points within a two-year period. A driver under 18 is allowed only 7 points. Pleading guilty (or simply paying a ticket) adds points, based on the infraction. Please click here to view a comprehensive break down of the point system and corresponding violations.

Common Traffic Violations

  • Speeding

    In some cases, speeding 26 mph over can automatically suspend your license.  When you receive a ticket for 26 mph or over, it is not prepayable and you are automatically given a court date.  With this charge, you will may also encounter License Suspension Hearing.  If you get this ticket, contact John right away.  Speeding ticket points can vary (based on speed, or other charges) from 0-6 points.  


    Work zone and school zone tickets can double the fines and court costs.  

  • Racing

    Being charged with Racing can also automatically suspend your license, or lead to a suspension hearing.  

  • Reckless Driving

    Often charged in conjunction with speeding 26 mph or over.  

  • Driving with an Expired License

    Fine and court costs, but no points assessed.

Other common traffic violations include:



  • Failure to Stop for a School or Church Bus
  • Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle
  • No/Expired Registration Plates or Receipt
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
  • Careless Driving

Misdemeanor and/or Felony Traffic Tickets

If you are charged with any of the following, you will need an experienced attorney navigating your case. You will be facing penalties through the Courts, as well as the Transportation Cabinet. You need to contact John if you’re charged with:

  • No/Expired Insurance; Failure to Provide Insurance Card, or Driving Without Insurance

    Failing to produce insurance is an enhanceable offense, meaning the penalties and fines increase each time you’re cited.  Most people don’t choose to drive without insurance, they drive without insurance because it is expensive, or the insurance lapsed. Pleading guilty even once to no insurance can make car insurance rates extremely high.  Contact John, because there are ways to help these charges, even if you did not have insurance at the time of the offense.  


    Non-owner operators are also required to hold insurance for any car they drive.  Typically, insurance follows a driver – not a car.


    • 1st Offense:  $500 to $1,000 fine, up to one year license suspension, up to 90 days in jail, Class B misdemeanor.
    • 2nd Offense:  $1,000 to $2,500 fine, six months to a year license suspension, up to 180 days in jail, Class A misdemeanor and arrestable.
  • Driving or Operating on a Suspended/Revoked License
    • Up to 90 days in jail
    • Class B misdemeanor and arrestable
  • Driving on a DUI Suspended/Revoked License
    • 1st Offense:  Class B Misdemeanor, arrestable, up to 90 days in jail.
    • 1st Offense Aggravated:  Class A Misdemeanor, arrestable, up to 180 days in jail.
    • 2nd Offense:  Class A Misdemeanor, arrestable, up to 180 days in jail.
    • 2nd Offense Aggravated:  Class D Felony, arrestable, 1-5 years in jail.
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
    • Class A Misdemeanor
    • Arrestable
    • Up to 180 days in jail
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Serious Physical Injury/Death
    • Class D Felony
    • From 1-5 years in jail

You can read more about the Kentucky Driver Point System at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website: drive.ky.gov

Driver's License Suspension and Restoration

In some cases, your driver’s license might be suspended if you are being sued civilly.