Ky.gov

DUI Penalties

Drivers
​​​​​​​The abbreviations DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) refer to an individual driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance(s) which impair driving ability​. Other substances can include illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and/or inhalants such as glue, gasoline, spray paint, etc

​DUI PENALTIES​

​DUI suspension periods have changed. Before SB 85, courts selected the suspension time from a date range based on the offense. As of July 1, 2020, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will administer a static suspension time based on the type of conviction. ​
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  • ​90 Days of alcohol or substance abuse program
  • 6 month license suspension​



  • ​One (1) year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
  • 18 month license suspension


  • ​One (1) year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
  • 36 month license suspension


  • ​One (1) year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
  • 60 month license suspension​


​Any commercial driver convicted of a DUI in any motor vehicle will be suspended for one (1) year. The driver will be required to pay a $50.00 reinstatement fee and pass the written and vision tests before starting over with a permit. After holding a valid commercial learner's permit for fourteen (14) days, the driver will be required to pass all applicable skills tests before obtaining a commercial license.​

​If the court finds that the person did refuse to submit to the testing, the court shall suspend the person's driver's license for the period of time the license would have been suspended upon conviction (see above suspension times). ​​

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APPROVE​​D ALCOHOL TREATMENT PROGRAMS​​​​

​​​To see a list of treatment programs, visit the Program Directory. ​
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  • The Division of Driver Licensing will only accept completions from programs authorized for DUI treatment. The driver should select Driving Under the Influence from Other Providers in the left navigation menu. 

  • ​​Contact the Division of Driver Licensing for DUI courses in other states at (502) 564-1257.​

  • To submit ATC completion to the Division of Driver Licensing via email, send proof to Kytc.ade@ky.gov​

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KENTUCKY IGNITION INTERLOCK PROGRAM (KIIP)​

​If the individual decides to enroll in the KIIP, they are eligible for a reduction of their suspension period. An ignition interlock license will restrict the individual to operating only a motor vehicle or motorcycle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device. To qualify for the suspension reduction program, participants must be violation-free for 90 or 120 consecutive days, based on their offense. Suspension times can be reduced to as little as:​
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  • ​90 Days of alcohol or substance abuse program
  • ​90 Days of violation-free KIIP participation​
  • 4 month license suspension​



  • ​One (1) year of alcohol or substance abuse program
  • ​120 Days of violation-free KIIP participation​
  • 12 month license suspension​



  • ​​One (1) year of alcohol or substance abuse program
  • ​120 Days of violation-free KIIP participation​
  • 18 month license suspension​


  • ​​One (1) year of alcohol or substance abuse program
  • ​120 Days of violation-free KIIP participation​
  • 30 month license suspension​


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For more information on the Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program, visit: KIIP​​

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