Kentucky Driving Laws
Updated: October, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in Kentucky – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety website.
Speed Limits
In Kentucky, the maximum speed limit for cars is 70 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is only 65 mph. Maximum speeds may only apply to small sections of designated roads - not all highways. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
Kentucky allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 16. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16 years and 6 months. An Intermediate License imposes restricts on when you are allowed to drive and how many passengers are allowed in the car, but allows you to drive yourself without an instructor in the car.
In Kentucky, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 17.
License Renewal
Kentucky requires you to renew your license every 4 years.
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of Kentucky enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Work Zone Enhanced Penalties may be assessed even if workers are not currently present and working. In Kentucky, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. Most states impose increased mandatory penalties for driving above a specific BAC. In Kentucky, driving with a BAC above 0.18% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Most states do not allow cellphone use while driving. In Kentucky, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned to novice drivers only. Hands-free interaction with cellphones is allowed.
Texting while driving is banned in Kentucky. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In Kentucky, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
Kentucky requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered primary, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in Kentucky is $25.00. Seatbelt use laws depend on the driving experience of the driver and which seat of the car a passenger is sitting in.
Data Source
Kentucky Office of Highway Safety
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
