Kentucky Requirements
In Kentucky, driving under the influence is punishable by a variety of penalties. This guide will go over the criteria and guidelines for the Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program (KIIP).
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The KY Ignition Interlock Program
In Kentucky, the legal blood alcohol content limit is .08 percent, and drivers found to be at or above that limit may be penalized. Penalties include license suspension, even for first-time offenders. However, Kentucky does allow some offenders to regain driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock device.Kentucky has recently changed the way they hand out license suspensions. As of July 1, 2020, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet hands down a static suspension period based on the offense. After serving a specified portion of the suspension period, offenders can apply for an ignition interlock license. If approved, they will be able to drive as long as they install an IID.
What Happens if I Get a DUI in Kentucky?
First DUI Offense
- Six-month license suspension, can be reduced to four months if offender goes 90 days with no violations and enrolls in the Kentucky IID program
- 90 days in an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program
- 48 hours to 30 days in jail
- $200-$500 in fines
Second DUI Offense
- 18-month license suspension, can be reduced to 12 months if offender goes 120 days with no violations and enrolls in the Kentucky IID program
- 12 months in an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program
- Seven days to six months in jail
- $350-$500 in fines
Third DUI Offense
- 36-month license suspension, can be reduced to 18 months if offender goes 120 days with no violations and enrolls in the Kentucky IID program
- 12 months in an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program
- 30 days to 12 months in jail
- $500-$1,000 in fines
It is important to note that the legal BAC threshold for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders is .04 percent, half of the legal BAC limit of .08 percent for regular drivers. CDL holders convicted of DUI while driving any vehicle will have their license suspended for one year. After the suspension period, the driver may be able to regain their CDL by paying a reinstatement fee, passing the written and vision tests, and getting a CDL permit. They must hold the CDL permit for 14 days and pass any required skills tests before they can get their CDL license back.
What Happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to a DUI Test in Kentucky?
Refusing to take a test in Kentucky does not mean you will get away without penalties. If anyone refuses a test when stopped on suspicion of DUI, their license will be suspended for the same length of time dictated by the statute. Thus, first offenders will have their license suspended for six months and so on.
How Do I Regain Driving Privileges in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) oversees the Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program. In order to have their suspension period reduced, offenders must have zero violations. The following incidents are considered violations.
- Failing to take any randomly requested BrAC test (any digital images will be reviewed, and if the image confirms the driver was not present then the violation will not be counted)
- Failing to pass a random retest with a BrAC of .02 percent or lower (if a second test is performed within 10 minutes and the results show a BrAC < .02, the violation will not be counted)
- Failing to appear at the IID service center when required for calibration, repair, maintenance, monitoring, inspection, or replacement
- Failing to pay any fees required by statute
- Tampering with their IID
- Attempting to dodge or hide identity from the camera when giving a breath sample
If these conditions are met, offenders may be eligible to have their suspension reduced. In order to obtain an IID license, offenders must:
- Complete the Ignition Interlock application form
- Show proof of a valid Kentucky vehicle registration (or out of state registration if the offender is out of state)
- If the driver is not listed on the registration, they must provide a notarized letter from the owner
- Pay a $40 Reinstatement fee
- If approved, drivers will receive a Letter of Approval, which must be taken to the state-approved interlock provider when it is time for installation
- The service center will give the driver a Certificate of Installation once the IID is installed, which the driver will take to the license issuing location as proof of installation
Once they’re able to drive, the KYTC will continue monitoring the offender until it is time for removal. They will mail a Letter of Removal, and the Service Center will provide a Certificate of Renewal once the device is properly removed.
The court may require additional criteria depending on the specifics of the incident.
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Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you in the next few minutes to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you during business hours to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
The Process: What to Expect
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Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
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Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
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Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
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Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
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Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
Interlock Cost in Kentucky
Expert DUI Attorneys in Kentucky
Bussell Williams Law Firm, PLLC
Augusta, KY 41002
Rowady Hendricks Law, PSC
Winchester, KY 40391
The Baldani Law Group
Lexington, KY 40507
The Law Office of Marvin Knorr & Associates
Covington, KY 41011
Kentucky FAQs
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer that is installed in your vehicle to prevent drinking and driving. It is made up of a mouthpiece, a handheld unit and a cord that attaches to your vehicle’s ignition system. You are required to blow into the mouthpiece to test your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) before starting your car. For more information see our what is an interlock page.
To view the Kentucky ignition interlock device requirements please visit the Kentucky state page.
For pricing information, see Kentucky pricing.
Please visit the Kentucky state page to learn what steps you need to take to get back on the road.
To learn more about the steps to regaining your license, please visit our Kentucky state page.
To find the Kentucky Intoxalock service center closest to you, please visit our Kentucky installation locations page.
You will receive a letter from KYTC (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet) with a date on as to when you are eligible to remove.
You will need to provide the eligibility letter from KYTC (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet) to Intoxalock prior to setting up your removal appointment.
Please visit the Kentucky state page to learn about other DUI requirements.
For pricing information, see the Kentucky pricing page.
To find a DUI attorney in Kentucky, please visit our Kentucky attorney partners page.
To find a treatment center in Kentucky, please visit our Kentucky alcohol treatment centers page.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our ignition interlock device page.
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Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
