{"id":373603,"date":"2016-04-11T01:22:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:22:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/kentucky-law\/what-are-the-kentucky-dui-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-02-02T01:56:37","modified_gmt":"2024-02-02T06:56:37","slug":"what-are-the-kentucky-dui-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/kentucky-law\/what-are-the-kentucky-dui-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Kentucky DUI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Kentucky DUI Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Kentucky is famous for the most renowned bourbon distilleries in the world. But Kentucky takes drunken driving very seriously. It’s one of the few states that imposes jail time for a first-offense DUI conviction. The law also comprehensively captures a wide range of dangerous driving conditions.<\/p>\r\n

Learn about the situations that can find you charged with a DUI in Kentucky. Learning about the law will help you understand your options if you have a DUI charge. The following charts, information, and links to more sources will give you an overview.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent
\r\n<\/th>\r\n		\u200b<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
\u200b"Per se" BAC limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%\u200b<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
\u200bZero tolerance (underage) BAC limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n\u200b0.02%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
\u200bEnhanced penalty (aggravated) BAC limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n\u200b0.15%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
\u200bImplied consent to submit to BAC test?<\/a><\/td>\r\n\u200bYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
\u200b<\/td>\r\n\u200b<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Select Penalties<\/th>\r\n\u200b<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>
\u200bMinimum license suspension or revocation (first, second, third offense)<\/a><\/td>\r\n\u200b6 months\/18 months\/36 months<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
\u200bMandatory alcohol education, assessment, and treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\n\u200bBoth<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
\u200bVehicle confiscation possible?<\/a><\/td>\r\n\u200bYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
\u200bIgnition interlock device possible?<\/a><\/td>\r\n\u200bYes
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are always changing through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Kentucky DUI Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Kentucky defines driving under the influence (DUI)<\/a> or driving while intoxicated (DWI) broadly. DUI and DWI are interchangeable in Kentucky.<\/p>\r\n

State law bans having physical control of a motor vehicle while:<\/p>\r\n