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Nine fundamental laws every Kentucky driver should know

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

These articles explain key rules all Kentucky drivers should know. Each article outlines laws that guide safe, legal behavior on state roads.

Drivers must not park on city streets for more than 24 hours. Lexington will ticket or tow cars that break this rule. Older drivers must renew their licenses every eight years. Kentucky does not require extra testing for age, but some restrictions may be placed on licenses. Drivers can refuse a breathalyzer test. Doing so leads to a suspended license, even if later found not guilty of DUI. School bus laws require drivers to stop for buses loading or unloading students. Fines and license points result from breaking this rule. Kentucky law does not ban headphones while driving, but using them is discouraged for safety. Funeral processions have the right of way at intersections. Passing a vehicle in a funeral procession can result in a misdemeanor. Most drivers may not run red lights, even if the signal is broken. Motorcyclists can proceed after waiting if the light fails to detect them.

While other states pose more requirements on older drivers, Kentucky is not one of them. By Rike_

NO. 1: CAN YOU BE TOO OLD TO DRIVE IN KENTUCKY? HERE’S HOW THE STATE LICENSES MATURE DRIVERS

Can the state take your keys away? | Published August 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

A high school student was hit by a vehicle while trying to board a school bus in Pennsylvania, authorities said.

NO. 2: WHEN DO YOU HAVE TO STOP FOR A SCHOOL BUS ON KENTUCKY ROADS? HERE’S WHAT THE LAW SAYS

A 2022 survey found more than 2,300 vehicles illegally passed school buses on a single day in the state. | Published February 13, 2023 | Read Full Story by Meredith Howard

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. 3: 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

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. 4: 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

A Bibb County man died Monday, days after crashing into a deer while driving an all-terrain vehicle.

NO. 5: CAN YOU DRIVE YOUR ATV, FOUR-WHEELER ON KENTUCKY ROADS? HERE’S WHAT STATE LAW SAYS

Just how old do ATV drivers need to be? The answer might surprise you. | Published August 10, 2023 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Kansas judges and prosecutors will be on call this weekend so officers can quickly obtain warrants for blood tests for anyone who refuses a breath test after being stopped for drunk driving. By RICH SUGG rsugg@kcstar.com

NO. 6: CAN YOU REFUSE A BREATHALYZER TEST IN KY? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES

Declining to take a field sobriety or breath test may not be wise. Here’s why. | Published March 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Two companies have received licenses to provide electric scooters in Lexington. Lime and Spin can begin offering dockless electric scooters beginning Oct. 21.

NO. 7: GOLF CARTS AREN’T ALLOWED ON LEXINGTON CITY STREETS, BUT WHAT ABOUT BIKES AND SCOOTERS?

Golf cart complaints are on the rise in Lexington, with some reporting young children are behind the wheel. | Published April 27, 2023 | 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. 8: 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

Clarice McDowell, with Lexpark, took a photo of an expired meter as she issued a parking citation to a car parked on Boliver St. in Lexington Ky., Friday, March 22, 2013. The meter as well as the license plate is photographed as part of the ticketing process. Photo by Charles Bertram | Staff

NO. 9: CAN LEXINGTON TICKET DRIVERS PARKED IN FRONT OF THEIR HOME? SEE CITATION, TOWING RULES

LexPark is resuming enforcement after last week’s winter storm. Is your car parked illegally? | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

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.