Drink-driving limits in Kentucky (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: Kentucky sets its own drink-driving rules. Fields not shown are not yet verified.

Rule	What applies
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.08 % blood alcohol ^[1]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol	Under 21: an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more is an offence. ^[1]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	Commercial motor vehicle: any detectable alcohol is prohibited (24-hour out-of-service); 0.04 or more is deemed driving under the influence and brings disqualification. ^[2]
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	Yes ^[3]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	First offence within 10 years: a fine of $200 to $500, or 48 hours to 30 days in county jail, or both (minimum 4 days in jail if aggravating circumstances apply). ^[1]

Sources

These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States

Limit for professional or commercial drivers	0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register))

State	Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers	Lower limit for novice or young drivers	Limit for professional or commercial drivers	Random breath tests without suspicion	Maximum penalties
Kentucky	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	Any alcohol; 0.04% = DUI	Yes, traffic safety checkpoints	Up to 30 days; $200-$500 fine
Illinois	0.08%	Zero (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicles)	⚠ Not yet verified	Class A misdemeanor (1st)
Missouri	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	1st: up to 6 months; fine up to $1,000
Ohio	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicles)	⚠ Not yet verified	Fine $375-$1,075, min. 3 days jail
Virginia	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	Class 1 misdemeanour; fine min. $250
West Virginia	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% commercial	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 6 months; $100-$500 fine

CannabisPossession for personal use: Class B misdemeanour, max 45 days · Growing at home: No (licensed cultivators only)
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (registered sellers) · Minimum age to buy: 18
Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary pocket knife: not a deadly weapon · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; "ordinary pocket knife" test
Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting banned) · Hands-free use: Calls not restricted
Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981)
Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (purchase and possession) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (purchase and possession)

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.