Ignition Interlock Device Laws in Kentucky

Low Cost Interlock is a premiere provider of ignition interlock devices in Kentucky. Our ignition interlock services are designed to make the ignition interlock program easy and convenient for you, ensuring that you complete your interlock obligations without hassle. Our system has been tested to ensure reliability in an affordable, easy-to-use design. We also promise great service, guiding you through the process and answering any questions you may have.

Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program

As of July 1, 2020, the Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program is available to all DUI offenders. The ignition interlock program is compliance based, meaning offenders will have to complete a 90-120 day period. In addition, if a participant commits one of the following violations, the period will start over:

• Failure to take any random breath alcohol test, unless a review of the digital image confirms that the motor vehicle or motorcycle was not occupied by a driver at the time of the missed test
• Failure to pass any random retest with a breath alcohol level of 0.02 or lower, unless a subsequent test performed within 10 minutes registers a breath alcohol concentration lower than 0.02, and the digital image confirms the same person provided both samples
• Failure of the person, or his or her designee, to appear at the ignition interlock device provider when required for maintenance, repair, calibration, monitoring, inspection, or replacement of the device
• Failure to pay statutorily required fees
• Tampering with an installed ignition interlock device with the intent of rendering it defective
• Altering, concealing, hiding, or attempting to alter, conceal, or hide the person’s identity from the ignition interlock device’s camera while providing a breath sample

For more information on the Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program click here.

Kentucky DUI Laws and Penalties

As of July 1, 2020, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will administer a static suspension time based on the type of conviction. The new suspension times are as follows:​​

First Offense

• 90 Day alcohol or substance abuse program
• 6-month license suspension

Second Offense

• One-year alcohol or substance abuse program
• 18-month license suspension

Third Offense

• One-year alcohol or substance abuse program
• 36-month license suspension

Fourth Offense

• One-year alcohol or substance abuse program
• 60-month license suspension

Click here to learn more about Kentucky DUI laws.

General Information

What is a DWI / DUI?
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

Changes to Suspension TimesDUI 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. The new suspension times are as follows:​​

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

​Any commercial driver convicted of a DUI in any type of 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 prior to obtaining a commercial license.​

License Suspension for Refusal to Take Alcohol or Subsequent Tests

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). ​

Approved Alcohol Treatment Programs

To see a list of treatment programs, visit the Program Directory. 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.For DUI courses in other states, contact the Division of Driver Licensing at (502) 564-1257. 

Note: Online DUI courses or programs will not be accepted.

Introduction of the 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 either 90 or 120 consecutive days, based on their offense. Suspension times can be reduced to as little as:​

KIIP Violations

The following are violations and commission of any will result in a stoppage in the consecutive day requirement:

1. Failure to take any random breath alcohol test unless a review of the digital image confirms that the motor vehicle or motorcycle was not occupied by a driver at the time of the missed test.
2. Failure to pass any random retest with a breath alcohol level of 0.02 or lower unless a subsequent test performed within 10 minutes registers a breath alcohol concentration lower
3. Failure of the person, of his or her designee, to appear at the ignition interlock device provider when required for maintenance, repair, calibration, monitoring, inspection, or replacement of the device​
4. Failure to pay statutorily required fees (KRS 189A.340)
5. Tampering with an installed ignition interlock device with the intent of rendering it defective
6. Altering, concealing, hiding, or attempting to alter, conceal, or hide, the person’s identity from the ignition interlock device’s camera while providing a breath sample

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