Kentucky Traffic Offenses and Penalties

Note: The following charts list common Kentucky traffic offenses by category. The charts do not list all traffic and motor vehicle violations found in the Kentucky Revised Statutes, just ones for which drivers are frequently cited.

Keep in mind the following:

  • The listings below are for the fine as specified in the driving statute. In practice, a fine is sometimes charged even where not statutorily prescribed. Also, some offenses are defined in multiple sections of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, and so the County Attorney has leeway in assessing a fine.
  • Court costs are assessed whenever there is a traffic offense that is not entirely dismissed. If there are multiple charges from a single incident, so long as one of those charges remains, court costs will be owed. Court costs may vary slightly by county. In Fayette County, court costs are $143.
  • At all speeds, the fine is doubled if the offense occurred in a highway work zone or if the offense occurred in an area near a school where flasher lights have been installed and are flashing. KRS 189.394(5)&(7).
  • The points assessed are different if a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) was driven. See the Kentucky Driver Point System.
  • A “limited access highway” in Kentucky is a road with 4 or more lanes on which the speed limit is 65 mph or higher. See KRS 186.572 & KRS 189.340(7).

Speeding Offenses

 

Fine

Court Costs

Points Assessed

Potential Immediate License Suspension

Potential Jail Time

Offense Level

Speeding 10 mph Over Limit

$20. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

0 if on a limited access highway; 3 if on any other road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 11 mph Over Limit

$22. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

3 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 12 mph Over Limit

$24. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

3 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 13 mph Over Limit

$26. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

3 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 14 mph Over Limit

$28. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

3 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 15 mph Over Limit

$30. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

3 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 16 mph Over Limit

$32. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 17 mph Over Limit

$34. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 18 mph Over Limit

$36. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 19 mph Over Limit

$38. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 20 mph Over Limit

$40. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 21 mph Over Limit

$43. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 22 mph Over Limit

$46. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 23 mph Over Limit

$49. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 24 mph Over Limit

$52. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 25 mph Over Limit

$55. KRS 189.394(1)

$143

6 on any road

No

No

Violation

Speeding 26+ mph Over Limit

$60 - $100. KRS 189.394(2)

$143

Hearing; possible suspension

Yes

No

Violation

 

Moving Offenses

 

Fine

Court Costs

Points Assessed

Potential Immediate License Suspension

Potential Jail Time

Offense Level

Failure to Illuminate Head Lamps

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Failure to Dim Headlights

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Driving Too Slow for Traffic Conditions

$20 - $100. KRS 189.993(12)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Driving Too Fast for Traffic Conditions

$20 - $100. KRS 189.993(12)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Following Another Vehicle Too Closely

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

4

No

No

Violation

Following Emergency Vehicle Too Closely

$60 - $500. KRS 189.993(8)

$143

4

No

30 days. KRS 189.993(8)

Class B Misdemeanor

Failure to or Improper Signal

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Improper Passing

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

5

No

No

Violation

Improper Lane Usage / Vehicles Keep Right Except to Pass

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Improper Use of Left Lane / Overtaking Vehicle

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Disregarding Compulsory Turn Lane

$20 - $100. KRS 189.993(12)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Disregarding Traffic Control Device, Traffic Light

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Disregarding Stop Sign

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Disregarding Railroad Crossing Flasher Lights

$30 - $100. KRS 189.990(11)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossings

$30 - $100. KRS 189.990(11)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Failure to Give Right of Way to Vehicle Passing Opposite Direction

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Disregard / Failure to Yield Right of Way

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Failure to Yield Right of Way to Funeral Procession

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

3

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

Failure to Give Right of Way to Emergency Vehicle

$60 - $500. KRS 189.993(8)

$143

4

No

30 days. KRS 189.993(8)

Class B Misdemeanor

Passing Loading / Unloading School / Church Bus, 1st Offense

$100 - $200. KRS 189.990(5)

$143

6

No

30 – 60 days. KRS 189.990(5)

Class B Misdemeanor

Passing Loading / Unloading School / Church Bus, 2nd Offense

$300 - $500. KRS 189.990(5)

$143

6

No

60 days – 6 months. KRS 189.990(5)

Class A Misdemeanor

Driving on Wrong Side of Roadway

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

4

No

No

Violation

Improper Start from Parked Position

$20 - $100. KRS 189.993(12)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Improperly on Left Side of Road

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Improper Turning (Illegal U-Turn)

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Distracted Driving (Texting While Driving)

$25 - $50. KRS 189.990(30)(b)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Careless Driving

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Reckless Driving

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

4

No

No

Violation

Changing Drivers Car in Motion (Reckless Driving)

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

4

No

No

Violation

Disregarding Signals from Officer Directing Traffic

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

3

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

Instructional Permit Violations

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

3

No

No

Violation

Leaving Scene of Accident / Failure to Render Aid or Assistance (Hit and Run)

$20 - $2,000. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

6

No

1 Year. KRS 189.990(1)

Class A Misdemeanor

Leaving the Scene of Accident / Failure to Render Aid with Death or Serious Physical Injury (Hit and Run)

$20 - $2,000. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

6

No

1 Year. KRS 189.990(1)

Class D Felony

Failure to Notify Owner of Damage to Unattended Vehicle

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Failure to Report Traffic Accident

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Driving Without License / Negligence in Accident

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

6

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)

$1,000-10,000. KRS 534.030(1)

$143

Hearing; possible suspension

Yes

1-5 years. KRS 532.060(2)

Class D Felony

Fleeing or Evading Police, 2nd Degree (Motor Vehicle)

$500. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

Hearing; possible suspension

Yes

12 months. KRS 532.090(1)

Class A Misdemeanor

Racing Motor Vehicle on Public Highway

$60 - $200. KRS 189.993(5)

$143

Hearing; possible suspension

Yes

30 days. KRS 189.993(5)

Violation

 

Driver's License, Registration, or Insurance Offenses

 

Fine

Court Costs

Points Assessed

Potential Immediate License Suspension

Potential Jail Time

Offense Level

License to be in Possession

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

No Operators/Moped License

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

Failure to Notify Address Change to Department of Transportation

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

Owner to Notify Clerk of Residence / Name Change

$500. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

12 months. KRS 532.090(1)

Class A Misdemeanor

Operating Vehicle with Expired Operators License

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

Failure to Surrender Revoked Operators License

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

Operating on Suspended / Revoked Operators License

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

No / Expired Kentucky Registration Receipt

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Registration and Title Requirements of Vehicle Not Operated on Highway

$500. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

12 months. KRS 532.090(1)

Class A Misdemeanor

No / Expired Registration Plates

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Improper Registration Plate

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Improper Display of Registration Plate

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Display of Illegal / Altered Registration Plate

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Failure of Transferee of Vehicle to Promptly Apply for New Title / Registration

$500. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

12 months. KRS 532.090(1)

Class A Misdemeanor

Failure to Register Transfer of Motor Vehicle

$500. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

12 months. KRS 532.090(1)

Class A Misdemeanor

Permitting Operation of Motor Vehicle with Improper Registration

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

None / Improper Use of Temporary Tag When Required

$500. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

12 months. KRS 532.090(1)

Class A Misdemeanor

Improper Use of Dealer-Demonstrator Tags

$25 - $200. KRS 186.991

$143

0

No

30 days. KRS 186.991

Violation

Improper Use of Dealers Plates

$500. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

12 months. KRS 532.090(1)

Class A Misdemeanor

Failure to Produce Insurance Card

$250. KRS 534.040(2)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance / Security, 1st Offense

$500 - $1,000. KRS 304.99-060(1)(a)(1)

$143

0

1 year. KRS 304.99-060(1)(a)(2)

90 days. KRS 304.99-060(1)(a)(1)

Class B Misdemeanor

Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance / Security, 2nd Offense

$1,000 - $2,500. KRS 304.99-060(1)(a)(3)

$143

0

6 months - 2 years. KRS 186.560(5)

180 days. KRS 304.99-060(1)(a)(3)

Class B Misdemeanor

Failure of Non-Owner Operator to Maintain Required Insurance, 1st Offense

$500 - $1,000. KRS 304.99-060(2)(a)

$143

0

No

90 days. KRS 304.99-060(2)(a)

Class B Misdemeanor

Failure of Non-Owner Operator to Maintain Required Insurance, 2nd Offense

$1,000 - $2,500. KRS 304.99-060(2)(b)

$143

0

6 months - 2 years. KRS 186.560(5)

180 days. KRS 304.99-060(2)(b)

Class B Misdemeanor

 

Vehicle Equipment Offenses

 

Fine

Court Costs

Points Assessed

Potential Immediate License Suspension

Potential Jail Time

Offense Level

One Headlight

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

No Tail Lamps

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

No Rear View Mirror

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

One Side Mirror

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

No Brake Lights, Passenger Vehicle

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Real License Plate Not Illuminated

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Obstructed Vision and/or Windshield

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

No Windshield Wiper

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Improper / No Windshield

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Excessive Windshield / Window Tinting

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Installation of Non Compliance Tinting on Vehicle

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

90 days. KRS 532.090(2)

Class B Misdemeanor

Inadequate Silencer (Muffler)

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Violation of Noise Ordinance

County-specific

$143

0

No

Yes

Misdemeanor (classification may vary by county)

Vehicle a Nuisance, Noisy, Etc.

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Improper / Defective Equipment

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

No Flags / Flares (Commercial Vehicle)

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

 

Seat Belt, Child Restraint, and Open Container Offenses

 

Fine

Court Costs

Points Assessed

Potential Immediate License Suspension

Potential Jail Time

Offense Level

Failure to Wear Seat Belts

$25. KRS 189.990(26)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Failure to Use Child Restraint Device in Vehicle

$30 - $50. KRS 189.990(24)-(25)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Possession of Open Alcohol Beverage Container in a Motor Vehicle

$35 - $100. KRS 189.990(9)(b)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

 

Parking Offenses

 

Fine

Court Costs

Points Assessed

Potential Immediate License Suspension

Potential Jail Time

Offense Level

Improper Parking Violations

$20 - $100. KRS 189.993(12)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Improper Parking Firelane / Block Traveled Portion of Highway

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Permit Motor Vehicle to Run Unattended

$20 - $100. KRS 189.990(1)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Unauthorized Parking in a Handicapped Zone

$250. KRS 189.990(29)

$143

0

No

No

Violation

Abandonment of Vehicle on Public Road

$35 - $100. KRS 189.990(18)

$143

0

No

30 days. KRS 189.990(18)

Class B Misdemeanor