Speed Limit Laws: Kentucky
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
65 (70 on specific segments based on an engineering and traffic investigation)
Kentucky
GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Kentucky. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Kentucky
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Helmets required for riders under 21 or who have been licensed less than one year. Universal helmet law repealed 1998.
Kentucky
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
8 years
Kentucky
Provisions for Mature Drivers
None
Kentucky
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
Zero tolerance for some drugs
Kentucky
Marijuana Possession and Use
Illegal
Kentucky
Marijuana Impaired Driving
None
Kentucky
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
65 (70 on specific segments based on an engineering and traffic investigation)
Kentucky
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
65 (70 on specific segments based on an engineering and traffic investigation)
Kentucky
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)
65
Kentucky
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
65
Kentucky
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)
65
Kentucky
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)
65
Kentucky
Increased penalty for high BAC
0.15
Kentucky
Administrative license suspension on first offense
30-120 days
Kentucky
Limited driving privileges during suspension
Yes
Kentucky
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for all convictions
Kentucky
Open container laws
Yes
Kentucky
Repeat Offender Laws
Yes
Kentucky
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
Taller than 57"
Kentucky
Child Restraint Required
40" or shorter in child restraint 7 yrs or under and between 40" and 57" tall in booster seat
Kentucky
Full Privilege Minimum Age
17 years
Kentucky
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16
Kentucky
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)
6
Kentucky
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)
60 (10)
Kentucky
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16 / 6
Kentucky
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction
Midnight - 6 a.m.
Kentucky
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)
No more than 1 under 20 unless supervised by instructor (secondary enforcement)
Kentucky
Type of Law
Primary
Kentucky
Who is Covered?
7 and under and more than 57 inches 8 and over
Kentucky
In What Seat?
All
Kentucky
Hand-Held Ban?
No
Kentucky
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers
Yes. Primary law.
Kentucky
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers
Drivers under 18. Primary law.
Kentucky
Text Messaging Ban?
All drivers. Primary law.
Kentucky
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted
n/a
Kentucky
Speed Cameras: State Law
None
Kentucky
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted
n/a
Kentucky
Red Light Cameras: State Law
None
Alcohol Impaired Driving Laws: Kentucky
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for all convictions
Child Passenger Safety Laws: Kentucky
Child Restraint Required
40" or shorter in child restraint
7 yrs or under and between 40" and 57" tall in booster seat
Teen and Novice Drivers: Kentucky
Full Privilege Minimum Age
17 years
Seat Belt Laws: Kentucky
Type of Law
Primary
Distracted Driving Laws: Kentucky
Hand-Held Ban?
No
Speed and Red Light Cameras: Kentucky
Speed Cameras
None
Red Light Cameras
None
Work Zone Traffic Laws: Kentucky
Violations Affected
Speeding
Enhanced Penalties
Double original fine
Workers Must Be Present?
Yes
Signs Must Be Present?
Yes
Move Over for Emergency Vehicles Video
In an effort to protect those who protect us, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is promoting the message: Move Over. It’s the Law.