Kentucky safety laws help safeguard every person on the road and make driving safer. Familiarizing oneself with these rules helps keep you safe and prevents legal issues. Kentucky has enforced several laws to protect drivers and their passengers on the roads.
Seat Belt Requirements
Kentucky law mandates officers to stop and fine drivers if anyone in the vehicle does not have a seat belt. Everyone seated in the front must wear their seat belt when the car is on the road and this rule concerns any adult or child sitting in the front of the vehicle. Every passenger under 18 should be secured properly, regardless of their seat in the car. People found guilty of this law can face fines and further penalties. The state’s primary enforcement policy allows the police to enforce the law by stopping people not wearing seat belts.
Child Passenger Safety
Kentucky’s law directs that children under 8 be safely secured in the right child restraint system. Experts at the Kentucky State Police recommend you do the following:
- Rear-Facing Seats: From birth up to 1 year old and weighing at least 20 pounds.
- Forward-Facing Seats: Ranges from 1 month to 4 months old and weighs 15 to 40 pounds.
- Booster Seats: The rule applies to kids aged 4 to at least age 8, as long as they haven’t hit 4’9”.
- Seat Belts: Children who are 8 years old or 4’9″ in height can start using an adult seat belt.
Distracted Driving Laws
It is against the law to text, read a message, or email while driving your vehicle. Anyone under 18 cannot use their phone while driving unless it’s for map directions or a real emergency. It is meant to stop drivers from being distracted, as this is a leading reason for accidents. The GPS on your mobile should not need your data input while the car is moving. People behind the wheel should pull over if they wish to make calls or send texts.
Move Over Law
Kentucky law states that motorists should either lower their speed or move over when they see emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or automobiles with warning lights flashing. A fine of $60 to $500 or imprisonment for up to 30 days can occur if the traffic laws are not followed. If approaching a vehicle at the roadside, switch lanes or lower your speed to 10 mph below the given speed limit. This law is important in keeping emergency responders and those working on the roadside out of danger.
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
These rules are set up in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for drivers under 18 in Kentucky. There are three main phases in the program.
- Learner’s Permit: Anyone 16 years of age can drive, but a licensed adult has to be present in the car.
- Intermediate License: After having a learner’s permit for 180 days, you can apply for your license. Although drivers aren’t closely watched, they cannot drive between midnight and 6 a.m.
- Full License: You can get one after reaching 18 years old and meeting all the criteria.
Insurance Requirements
Drivers in Kentucky can pick between a no-fault insurance system and a tort insurance system. All drivers must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with a minimum of $10,000 and liability coverage consisting of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for one accident, and $25,000 for damages to someone else’s property. As a result, drivers are covered when they are involved in an accident.
Speed Limits
Driving on Kentucky interstate freeways is allowed at up to 70 miles per hour for cars and 65 miles per hour for trucks. Depending on the road, the speed limit will not be the same, and in urban areas, it is usually set lower. Monitoring signs that show the speed limit is always important for drivers.
