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Six frequently misunderstood Kentucky traffic laws

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

These curated articles all address common misunderstandings about Kentucky traffic laws. They each clarify areas where drivers often get confused or act based on incorrect assumptions.

One article explains that brake checking another driver is not specifically illegal in Kentucky, but it can be considered reckless driving if it leads to an accident. Another article describes how, although motorcyclists may run a malfunctioning red light under certain conditions, drivers of other vehicles may not. One piece outlines the proper use of roundabouts, stating that vehicles already inside the roundabout have the right of way and entering drivers must yield. An additional article clarifies that Kentucky drivers are not specifically prohibited from wearing headphones while driving, but it is not recommended due to safety concerns.

Pulling over to allow line of 5 or more cars behind you to pass is probably required even if driving the speed limit but look for safe spot.

NO. 1: ARE YOU REQUIRED TO YIELD FOR FUNERAL PROCESSIONS IN KENTUCKY? WHAT STATE LAW SAYS

It’s the courteous thing to do, but what does the law stipulate in Kentucky? | Published March 14, 2023 | Read Full Story by Meredith Howard

Vehicles navigate the dual-lane roundabout at Eagle and Amity roads on July 19, 2022.

NO. 2: HOW DOES A ROUNDABOUT WORK AND WHO HAS THE RIGHT-OF-WAY? WHAT KENTUCKY TRAFFIC LAW SAYS

One Kentucky city is scheduled to get 10 more roundabouts by the end of 2024. | Published August 25, 2023 | Read Full Story by Meredith Howard

Traffic moves at the intersection of Tates Creek and Armstrong Mill despite the traffic light having no power Saturday, March 4, 2023 after a strong wind storm knocked out power to much of Lexington the night before.

NO. 3: CAN KY DRIVERS LEGALLY RUN THROUGH A RED LIGHT THAT WON’T TURN GREEN? WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Been stuck at that light a while? Here’s what the law allows drivers to do about it. | Published December 13, 2023 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

December 9, 2016 - With colder temperatures in the weather forecast, Helen Anderson of Kennewick decided to shop Thursday afternoon for a new winter scarf, gloves and sidewalk ice melt — but had to improvise with a piece of paper to brush the snow off her car downtown because she couldn’t find her ice scraper.

NO. 4: IS IT LEGAL TO LET YOUR CAR WARM UP UNATTENDED IN KY’S COLD WEATHER? WHAT STATE LAW SAYS

Letting your vehicle idle before your morning commute? Here’s what you should know. | Published January 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Outbound traffic on Tates Creek Road was bumper to bumper for almost 9 miles on Tuesday as fans of Luke Bryan tried to get to his concert at Talon Winery & Vineyards. It took hours for many concertgoers to get there; some turned around and went home.

NO. 5: IS IT LEGAL TO BRAKE CHECK A DRIVER FOR FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY? WHAT KENTUCKY LAW SAYS

Who is at fault if there’s a crash? | Published June 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The Memorial Day holiday travel period starts tomorrow through Monday as drivers across Ohio hit the road for celebrations, cookouts and planned excursions. 

NO. 6: CAN YOU LEGALLY USE YOUR HEADPHONES WHILE DRIVING IN KENTUCKY? WHAT STATE LAW ALLOWS

Wearing headphones while behind the wheel may limit your alertness on the road. | Published June 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ali Costellow

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.