Kentucky Traffic Ticket Penalties

If you get a traffic ticket in Kentucky, you’ll have several options for dealing with it. The easiest way is to just pay the ticket. But, depending on the situation, you might decide to go to traffic court and fight the ticket. If you’re ultimately convicted (whether by admitting guilt or being found guilty after a trial), you’ll typically be looking at having to pay a fine and demerit points being assessed to your driving record. For some of the more serious traffic violations, jail time is also possible.

Here are the fines and points for some of the most common traffic offenses in Kentucky. However, the specific penalties for a traffic ticket can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

What are the Fines & Points for Speeding Tickets in Kentucky?

The penalties for speeding violations in Kentucky depend mostly on the driver's speed.

Kentucky's Two Types of Speed Limits

Kentucky has absolute speed limits and a basic speeding law. Absolute limits are just the maximum speeds a person is allowed to drive on a roadway. Generally, absolute limits are posted.

The basic speeding law prohibits driving at a speed greater than is “reasonable and prudent” given the current conditions. So, if road conditions are hazardous, a motorist can violate the basic speed law even if driving slower than the posted maximum.

(Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.390 (2024).)

Penalties for Speeding Violations in Kentucky

Speeding violations that involve driving 26 miles per hour or more over the limit will also result in a 90-day license suspension or driving privilege probation.

Also, the fines are doubled for speeding violations in school zones.

(Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.394 (2024); 601 Ky. Admin. Regs. 13:025 (2024).)

What Are the Points & Fines for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, stop sign and red light tickets carry the same penalties.

Kentucky's Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Rules

At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked stop line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. In Kentucky, making a right turn at a red light is permitted provided there’s no sign at the intersection specifically prohibiting it. (Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.330 (2024); Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.338 (2024).)

Penalties for Stop Sign and Red Light Violations in Kentucky

Kentucky doesn’t use automated cameras at intersections to catch red-light violators. (Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.993 (2024).)

What Are the Fines & Points for Distracted Driving in Kentucky?

Kentucky's texting and cell phone ticket penalties depend on how many prior violations the driver has.

Kentucky's Texting and Cell Phone Rules for Drivers

Kentucky’s distracted driving law generally prohibits all motorists from text messaging while operating a vehicle. Drivers who are under the age of 18 are also generally prohibited from using a cell phone for voice communication while operating a vehicle. (Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.292 (2024); Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.294 (2024).)

Kentucky's Distracted Driving Penalties

The same fines apply to minors who violate the cell phone restriction. (Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.990 (2024).)