Alcohol, Drugs & Graduated Licensing
Alcohol and drugs impair the skills driving demands, and Kentucky enforces strict limits, especially for young drivers. Graduated licensing adds privileges in stages as new drivers gain experience.
BAC limits and implied consent
A driver 21 or older is guilty of DUI at a BAC of 0.08 or higher, and drugs, including some medications, can also impair driving. By driving in Kentucky you give implied consent to testing for alcohol or drugs.
Zero tolerance for under 21
Because it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink, Kentucky sets a 0.02 zero-tolerance BAC limit for underage drivers, and violations bring license penalties.
Graduated licensing stages
Kentucky begins with a learner's permit at 16, held about 180 days, followed by an intermediate license and then a full license around 17. Intermediate drivers face a midnight-to-6 a.m. night restriction (with work, school, and parent exceptions) and a limit of one non-family passenger under 20.