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Kentucky DUI Laws

Kentucky DUI Defense

What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Kentucky (KY) law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.15

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

10 years

Prior offenses count within

First Offense Penalties in Kentucky

Jail Time2 – 30 days
Fines$200 – $500
License Suspension6 months
Ignition InterlockRequired for BAC 0.15+

Implied Consent & Test Refusal

Like all 50 states, Kentucky has an implied consent law, by driving on Kentuckyroads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.

Refusal Penalty

2 – 6 month license suspension

Kentucky-Specific Detail

Kentucky is one of the few states where a first-offense DUI carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of at least 2 days, with no exceptions.

Is your Kentucky DUI defense on track?

The Masked Researcher’s First Read checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to DUI cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.

Take the Free Defense Score

DUI Defense Playbook$127

26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Kentucky DUI defendants.

Other Kentucky defense topics

Facing a different charge in Kentucky? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:

Important: This page provides general legal information about Kentucky DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Kentucky-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.