Drinking and Driving Laws in Kentucky
The State of Kentucky prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle by a driver that has a .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or above. The .08 percentage limit is the standard measurement for all states across the country. Kentucky has a lower BAC limit for minors and the driver of commercial vehicles. The State of Kentucky also has harsher laws for a DUI with aggravated circumstances such as transporting a child under the age of 12, driving 30 mph over the speed limit, driving the wrong direction, causing an accident while impaired, and other infractions.
How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Kentucky?
Calculating the exact number of drinks it takes to be legally drunk is not an exact science. Each person has unique individual physical qualities that contribute to a BAC score. There are formulas based on averages that can estimate a persons blood alcohol concentration, however these calculations are not correct for all drivers. It is safe to say that for each drink you have, you bring yourself that much closer to what the State of Kentucky considers an "impaired driver".
The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Kentucky has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Kentucky, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.
Drunk Driving Laws in Kentucky
State of Kentucky BAC Laws:
All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Kentucky Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you receive a drunk driving conviction in Kentucky you will be fined from $200-$500. You will also spend a minimum 2 days to 30 days in jail or receive from 2 to 30 days of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended from 30 to 120 days. If you were involved with an aggravated DUI you will spend 4 days in jail. An aggravated DUI means you commit one of the following acts while you are driving drunk; Speeding 30 MPH over the limit, Driving the wrong direction, Being involved in an accident and driving with a child under the age of 12 years old. Driving with a BAC of .18 and above or refusing to submit to a chemical test.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction (within 5 years)
For your second drunk driving conviction in the State of Kentucky you will pay between $350-$500 fine and spend from 7 days to 6 months in jail. You may also be ordered to serve from 10 days to six months of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended from 24 months - 36 months. If aggravated circumstances are present, you will serve 60 days in Jail. An aggravated DUI means you commit one of the following acts while you are driving drunk; Speeding 30 MPH over the limit, Driving the wrong direction, Being involved in an accident and driving with a child under the age of 12 years old. Driving with a BAC of .18 and above or refusing to submit to a chemical test.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction (within 5 years)
If you are convicted for a 3rd a DUI in Kentucky you will be fined from $500-$1,000. You will also be ordered to 1 year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment. You will spend anywhere from 7 days to 6 months in jail and from 10 days to 6 months of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended from 24 to 36 months. If aggravated circumstances were involved you will receive 14 days in Jail. An aggravated DUI means you commit one of the following acts while you are driving drunk; Speeding 30 MPH over the limit, Driving the wrong direction, Being involved in an accident and driving with a child under the age of 12 years old. Driving with a BAC of .18 and above or refusing to submit to a chemical test.
Fourth Drunk Driving Conviction (within 5 years)
The fourth time you are convicted of drunk driving in Kentucky you will be charged with a Class "D" Felony. You will be ordered to a 1 year alcohol or substance abuse treatment program and spend a minimum of 120 in jail without probation. You may also be sentenced to 10 days to 1 year community service. Your drivers license will be suspended from 24 months to 36 months. You will also spend 60 days in Jail if aggravated circumstances were involved. An aggravated DUI means you commit one of the following acts while you are driving drunk; Speeding 30 MPH over the limit, Driving the wrong direction, Being involved in an accident and driving with a child under the age of 12 years old. Driving with a BAC of .18 and above or refusing to submit to a chemical test.
The Implied Consent Law in Kentucky
The implied consent law in Kentucky means that all drivers are willing to submit to a chemical test of their Blood, Breath or Urine if the officer involved has reason to believe that a driver is impaired. Refusal to submit to a chemical test will result in a drivers license suspension for 30 to 120 days. A second refusal will suspend your drivers license for 12 to 18 months and your 3rd refusal to submit to a chemical test will result in a 24-36 month drivers license suspension.
Additional Information on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in Kentucky
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