Kentucky Online
Defensive Driving
Kentucky uses a 12-point demerit system. This course helps you understand where you stand, covers the state's DUI and texting laws, and can earn you an insurance discount accepted by most Kentucky insurers.
- +Insurance discount — accepted by most Kentucky insurers
- +Full overview of Kentucky's 12-point demerit system
- +Covers DUI law, 10-year lookback, and 2026 pending handheld legislation
- +100% online, self-paced — instant certificate download
Kentucky by the Numbers
What this course can and cannot do in Kentucky
Point reduction requires the official KY State Traffic School: Kentucky has a State Traffic School program that can prevent point assessment for a qualifying violation — but participation requires a court referral from a Kentucky District or Federal court. Our course is not the Kentucky State Traffic School (available at rightlane.org) and cannot guarantee point reduction or prevention without that court referral.
Ticket dismissal is not automatic: Kentucky does not have a general statewide program for dismissing traffic tickets through an independent online defensive driving course. If ticket dismissal or point prevention is your goal, speak with your court before enrolling about the official State Traffic School referral process.
Insurance discount is the reliable benefit: Most Kentucky auto insurers accept our certificate for a premium discount of 5 to 15%, typically lasting up to three years. The discount does not apply if the course was taken under a court order. Contact your insurer before enrolling to confirm eligibility.
Kentucky Traffic Law Overview
Understanding Kentucky's point system, speed limits, DUI law, and distracted driving rules keeps you prepared on the road and in the course.
Point System
Kentucky uses a 12-point demerit system. Accumulating 12 or more points in any two-year period can trigger license suspension. Drivers under 18 face suspension at 7 points. A warning letter is issued after 6 points. Points expire two years from conviction; convictions remain on record for five years.
Speed Limits
Rural interstates (I-64, I-65, I-71, I-75) are posted at 70 mph. Urban interstates near Louisville and Lexington drop to 65 mph. Rural divided highways are 65 mph; rural undivided highways are 55 mph. School zones are 25 mph during school hours.
DUI Law
The standard DUI limit is 0.08% BAC. Aggravated DUI (0.15%+) doubles mandatory minimum jail time at every offense level. Drivers under 21 face a 0.02% zero-tolerance limit; CDL holders face 0.04%. Kentucky's lookback period is 10 years. A fourth DUI within 10 years is a Class D felony.
Texting & Handheld
Kentucky bans texting while driving for all drivers as a primary offense. Drivers under 18 with a permit or intermediate license are prohibited from all handheld use while in motion. In January 2026, the Kentucky Senate passed SB 28 extending a near-total handheld ban to all drivers — the bill was in the House Transportation Committee as of early April 2026 and had not yet been signed into law.
Kentucky Demerit Point Values
Common moving violations and the points assessed upon conviction. Reaching 12 points within two years risks license suspension.
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 10 mph or less over posted limit | 0 pts |
| Speeding 11-15 mph over posted limit | 3 pts |
| Failure to yield right of way | 3 pts |
| Running a red light or stop sign | 3 pts |
| Careless driving | 3 pts |
| Improper lane usage | 3 pts |
| Following too closely | 4 pts |
| Reckless driving | 4 pts |
| Speeding 16-25 mph over posted limit | 6 pts |
| Failure to stop for a school bus | 6 pts |
| Two or more violations at the same time | 6 pts |
Source: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Point values are based on conviction, not citation. Always verify current values with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
How it works
Four steps from signup to certificate.
Enroll online
Create your account and pay $19.95. No hidden fees. If you need point prevention through the official State Traffic School, confirm your court referral first.
Complete the course
Self-paced modules covering Kentucky's point system, DUI tiers, texting and pending handheld law, and defensive techniques. Typically 4-6 hours.
Pass the quiz
A short final quiz caps the course. Most Kentucky students pass on the first attempt.
Download your certificate
Your certificate is available immediately after completion. Email it to your insurer to activate your discount.
Kentucky drivers recommend ABC
Real feedback from drivers across the Commonwealth.
Rated 5/5
"My insurer confirmed the discount before I enrolled. The section on Kentucky's point system was exactly what I needed to understand where I stood after my last ticket."
Rated 5/5
"The DUI and 10-year lookback content was eye-opening. Finished in two evenings and had my certificate the same night. Straightforward and worth the cost."
Rated 5/5
"Good explanation of the pending handheld phone law — I wasn't aware the Senate had already passed it. Insurance discount came through two weeks after I sent in the certificate."
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Kentucky drivers.
Ready to earn your Kentucky insurance discount?
Start today for $19.95. Complete at your own pace and download your certificate the same day.
Start for $19.95Ready to get back on the road?
Complete your defensive driving course entirely online — at your own pace, on any device. Download your certificate the moment you pass.
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