Kentucky DMV Point System: How does it Work?

The Kentucky Division of Driver Licensing (DDL) oversees the point system in the state. Every traffic citation issued in Kentucky has some points associated with it. The more severe the citation, the more points go on the Kentucky driving record. For a driver’s license suspension, you must receive 12 or more. The points on your driving record will actively count against you for two years but remain on your record for up to 5 years.

Kentucky DDL Point System

The DDL monitors your driving record, and when you receive points, you are given a warning. The warning comes as a scheduled hearing that you must attend. You will get a hearing if:

  • You are 18 and older and have 12 points or more
  • Younger than 18 and have 7 points or more

At the hearing, you may get probation or suspension. The decision is on the types of citation you received. A review of your driving record will determine if you should attend driver improvement courses.

If probation is the recommendation, you will be on it for two years. If you miss your hearing, your license suspension will be on how many times you’ve reached your points threshold:

  • 1st time reaching 12 points: 6 months
  • 2nd time reaching 12 points: 1 year
  • Any other time reaching 12 points: 2 years

Kentucky DDL Points & Violations

There are various violations you can commit to getting you a citation. The less severe gives you a few points. These are the most common violations by a motorist. Here is a list of some of these common infractions:

  • Failure to yield: 3 points
  • Driving:
    • The wrong way: 3 points
    • Too fast in adverse conditions: 4 points
    • Tailgating: 4 points
    • 16 – 25 mph above the speed limit: 6 points
  • Reckless: 4 points
  • Improper passing: 5 points

Removing Points From Your Driving Record

You can transfer points from your driving records in Kentucky. To do so, you must complete a defensive driving course. However, you can only do the course once every 12 months.