Points, tickets and licence suspension in Kentucky

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how Kentucky points build up and expire.
• You can state the point limits for adults and for drivers under 18.
• You can give the point value for common violations.
• You can list offenses that can lead to suspension or revocation regardless of points.
• You can describe how State Traffic School works.

What you need to know and understand

• Reaching 12 points within two years (7 points if you are under 18) can lead to suspension after a hearing.
• Points expire two years after the conviction date, but the conviction stays on your record for five years.
• Speeding 15 mph or less over on a non-limited access road, failing to yield, running a stop sign and texting are each 3 points.
• Reckless driving, following too closely and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle are 4 points; improper passing is 5.
• Speeding 16 to 25 mph over and failing to stop for a school or church bus are 6 points; 26 mph or more over leads to a hearing and possible suspension.
• Speeding 10 mph or less over on a limited access highway carries no points.

How a hearing works

When you reach the limit, KYTC holds a hearing about your driving privilege. If you fail to attend, your license is suspended: six months for a first 12-point accumulation, one year for a second, and two years for any later one within the two-year period. After a hearing you may be placed on probation instead and required to attend State Traffic School. Once on probation, you cannot be considered for it again until two years after the previous probation ended.

Extra rules for teen drivers

For drivers under 18, KYTC's limit is 7 points. On a permit or intermediate license, any moving violation, restriction violation or DUI violation also adds at least 180 days before you can move to the next phase. A parent or guardian who signed your application can withdraw responsibility at any time, which cancels your license until another application is signed or you turn 18.

Our deeper guide to the Kentucky points system and teen suspension rules walks through more examples.

Offenses that can cost you your license

Some offenses can lead to suspension or revocation no matter how many points you have. These include:

• DUI, or refusing a lawfully requested chemical test.
• Leaving the scene of a crash or failing to stop and give aid.
• Fleeing or evading police.
• Driving without insurance, or without a license.
• Three reckless driving convictions within 12 months.
• Failing to settle a citation, or failing to pay child support.
• Using a license fraudulently to buy alcohol.

State Traffic School

A Kentucky court may refer a driver with a minor violation to State Traffic School, available online, in person or in a virtual classroom. You can attend only once every 12 months, not for offenses with a mandatory suspension, and not if you are unlicensed or hold an out-of-state license. Once referred, it is a court order; failing to complete it leads to suspension.

Common mistakes

• Thinking points vanish when you pay the fine. They stay for two years, and the conviction for five.
• Assuming a teen is safe until 12 points. The limit under 18 is 7.
• Ignoring a hearing notice, which leads to automatic suspension.
• Treating a minor ticket on a permit as harmless. It delays your intermediate license by at least 180 days.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Kentucky

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Kentucky Points System
• Kentucky 60 Hour Practice Driving Log
• Kentucky Bioptic Driving Program