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Kentucky Driving Records

Kentucky's roads are safer and more orderly thanks to the meticulous maintenance of driving records by the Division of Driver Licensing (DDL) under the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). As per Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 186, this task involves documenting and preserving the driving histories of all license holders.

The impact of these records is not solely for governmental requirements. These records give individuals a snapshot of their driving behavior. It can influence their insurance premiums, employment opportunities, and legal standing. Transportation businesses also benefit as these records are a valuable tool for assessing potential employees. 

Perhaps most significantly, the KYTC uses this information to enhance road safety across Kentucky. By analyzing driving record data, they can identify dangerous driver practices and implement countermeasures. 

Types of Driving Records Available in Kentucky

Kentucky offers the following types of driving records to individuals and organizations, each tailored for specific needs and priced accordingly:

Three-Year Driving History Record (DHR)

The three-year DHR concisely overviews an individual's recent driving activities. This report excludes personal details like address and physical description, focusing solely on driving-related information from the past 36 months.

Full Driving History Record (DHR)

The full DHR is available for a more comprehensive view. This extensive document includes identifying information, details of all licenses issued to the individual, traffic conviction data, administrative entries concerning driving privileges, commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements, and other relevant information.

Non-Certified and Certified DHRs

When obtaining DHRs, individuals can decide whether to get the standard non-certified or non-certified versions. Non-certified versions are suitable for personal use but lack official validation. 

Certified records, on the other hand, carry the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's official endorsement. These are often necessary for legal matters, employment verifications, or other formal purposes. Only full DHRs can be certified in Kentucky, known as Clearance Letters.

How To Request a Kentucky Driving History Report?

The KYTC offers several methods for individuals to obtain copies of their three-year or full DHRs:

Online

For online requests, only the three-year DHR is available for $6. Individuals can send their requests through the KYTC's online DHR portal. Upon completing the request, individuals receive a confirmation email within minutes. They can then access and download their records using a link provided in this email. 

Only American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa credit or debit cards are accepted for payments.

By Mail

For those opting to request by mail, the process involves completing the TC 94-195 DHR Request Form. This method allows individuals to order a three-year DHR, a non-certified full DHR, or a clearance letter for $3. 

Payment must be made via certified cashier's check or money order, payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Personal checks are not accepted. The completed form and payment should be mailed to:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Driver Licensing​​
Attn: Driver Education​​
200 Mero Street​ Frankfort, KY 40622

The KYTC will then mail the requested document to the address provided on the form.

In-Person

Those preferring in-person service can visit any Driver Licensing Regional office to request a three-year DHR, a non-certified full DHR, or a clearance letter. The fee for this service is $3, payable by debit/credit card (with an additional processing fee), money order, or cashier's check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. 

While walk-in service is available, appointments are strongly recommended due to limited slots. The requested document is provided to the individual on-site.

Uses of Kentucky Driving Records

Kentucky's driving records serve vital functions in various sectors, including employment, insurance, and legal proceedings. In the employment sector, these records are essential for assessing candidates for driving-related positions, as they help verify that safety standards are met.

Meanwhile, the insurance industry relies on this information to assess risk and set premiums. At the same time, the legal system uses driving records as objective evidence in traffic-related cases and accident liability disputes.

Despite their importance, the use of driving records in Kentucky is strictly regulated by state laws and the Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). These regulations limit how records can be accessed and utilized, which aims to protect individual privacy and prevent misuse. 

These regulations clearly define legitimate uses of driving records. Violating these regulations can be severe, including substantial fines and potential criminal charges. 

Understanding Kentucky Driving Laws

Kentucky has driving laws in place that address numerous aspects of driving. These laws include key laws that apply to all Kentucky drivers and those specific to old, new, and foreign visitors.

General Driving Laws

Here are some of the general driving laws implemented across Kentucky:

Seat Belt 

Kentucky's seat belt law (KRS Section 189.125) mandates using seat belts for all vehicle occupants while in motion. Vehicles made after 1981 must have seat belts installed. The law emphasizes child safety, requiring approved safety seats for children under 40 inches tall and booster seats for those under 57 inches or eight years old. 

Violations of these regulations can result in fines and other penalties, which reflect the state's commitment to road safety for all passengers.

Using Personal Communication Devices 

KRS Section 189.292 prohibits drivers from engaging in text-based communications on personal devices while operating a moving vehicle. This prohibition includes texting, instant messaging, and emailing. However, the law provides specific exceptions: 

  • Drivers may use GPS features.
  • Make phone calls.
  • Use devices in emergencies to report illegal activity, seek medical help, contact law enforcement, or prevent injury. 
  • Emergency vehicle operators can use devices as part of their official duties. 

The law is particularly strict for minors under 18, who are completely barred from using personal communication devices while driving, except in emergencies. Violations of these regulations can result in fines, with penalties varying based on the offense and the driver's age. 

Vehicle Liability Insurance

Kentucky law, specifically KRS Section 304.39-110, establishes mandatory minimum liability insurance coverage for all drivers in the state. This regulation requires motorists to maintain insurance that provides:

  • A minimum of $25,000 coverage for bodily injury or death of a single individual in an accident
  • At least $50,000 coverage for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals in a single incident
  • A minimum of $25,000 coverage for property damage per accident

Drivers who fail to comply with these mandatory insurance requirements face serious consequences. These can include monetary fines, suspension of vehicle registration, and other legal penalties.

Requirements for Residents, New Residents, and Foreign Nationals

In Kentucky, driving law requirements vary depending on an individual's residency status. The state categorizes drivers into three main groups: residents, new residents, and foreign nationals.

Old and New Residents

Kentucky mandates obtaining or transferring a driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency for residents and new residents. If transferring a valid out-of-state license, no testing is typically required. 

However, if the license has been expired for over a year, individuals must obtain a clearance letter from their previous state and complete written and vision tests. Documentation requirements include proof of legal presence, a Social Security card, and proof of Kentucky residency. 

New residents must also convert their out-of-state vehicle title to a Kentucky title within 15 days of moving.

Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals face similar timeframes but may have additional requirements. Non-U.S. citizens must obtain a Kentucky driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency, though those with licenses from countries with U.S. reciprocity agreements may drive for up to one year. 

First-time applicants must take written, vision, and road tests. Regardless of residency status, all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance coverage as specified by state law.

The Points System in Kentucky

The KYTC uses a Driver Point System to monitor potentially negligent drivers. Here are some examples of common traffic violations and their corresponding points:

  • Speeding 11-15 miles per hour (mph) over the limit: 3 points
  • Failure to obey traffic control device: 3 points
  • Failure to yield the right of way: 3 points
  • Reckless driving: 4 points
  • Improper passing: 5 points
  • Failure to stop for a school bus: 6 points

Accumulating Points

Points can accumulate when drivers commit multiple violations, with penalties for high point totals:

  • Adult drivers (18+): License suspension at 12 points within two years
  • Juvenile drivers (<18): License suspension at 7 points within two years
  • Suspensions: Six months (first), one year (second), two years (subsequent)

Probation may be offered as an alternative to suspension, providing drivers attend State Traffic Schools (STSs). The STS applies to minor traffic infractions only. Convictions that result in mandatory license suspension don't apply to STS.

Duration and Reduction of Points

Points expire after two years in Kentucky but remain on record for five years. Attending an STS may reduce points, but only for those who can meet these requirements:

  • The participant has a valid KY driver's valid license.
  • The participant has committed only minor traffic violations.
  • Participant attends only once per 12 months.
  • The participant has a court referral to attend the STS.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Kentucky

Kentucky classifies traffic offenses as either criminal or civil offenses. Understanding the difference between these offenses can help Kentucky drivers better avoid committing them.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses are considered severe violations, potentially resulting in large fines, jail time, and other severe penalties. Two notable criminal driving offenses include:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Kentucky's DUI laws, as outlined in KRS Section 189A.10, prohibit operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The legal limits are 0.08% BAC for adults and 0.02% BAC for drivers under 21. Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination is illegal, as is driving with controlled substances in the blood or urine.

Penalties can vary and escalate with repeated offenses within ten years of each offense:

  • First offense: 90-day substance abuse program, 6-month license suspension
  • Second offense: alcohol or substance abuse program (one year), 18-month suspension
  • Third offense: alcohol or substance abuse program (one year), three-year suspension
  • Fourth+ offenses: alcohol or substance abuse program (one year), five-year suspension

Kentucky has an implied consent law for chemical testing when DUI is suspected. If convicted, refusing testing can result in license suspension. The KYTC provides a directory of approved treatment programs and offers information on out-of-state DUI courses through its DDL. 

Hit and Run 

Under KRS Section 189.580), it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without providing assistance or information. This hit-and-run offense is considered serious, as it can leave victims without help and hinder investigations. Penalties vary based on the incident's severity:

  • Involves property damage: A misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.
  • Results in injury or death: A Class D felony, carrying a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Civil Driving Offenses

In Kentucky, civil driving offenses are considered less severe than criminal offenses and typically result in less severe penalties, usually not involving jail time. One example of a civil driving offense is speeding.

As per KRS Section 189.394, there are set speed limits for specific roads in the state, such as:

  • 65 mph on interstates and parkways
  • 55 mph on other state highways
  • 35 mph in business or residential areas
  • 25 mph in school zones
  • 15 mph in off-street parking facilities

Violating these limits is considered speeding, with fines increasing with the violation's severity. For example, drivers may pay $1-$20 for 1-10 mph over the limit to $60-$100 for exceeding the limit by 26 mph or more.

Kentucky Driving Statistics and Goals

Kentucky's traffic fatality trends have mirrored those of the broader United States, with fluctuations observed in recent years. Data from various sources, including the KYTC and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), show that factors such as weather conditions, traffic volume, and enforcement of safety regulations influence these numbers. 

Kentucky reported over 700 traffic fatalities in 2022, which increased to over 800 in 2023. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving were identified as key contributing factors. This trend is part of a larger national issue, with the United States recording over 40,000 traffic deaths in 2023, one of the highest rates in recent decades. 

In response, both state and federal agencies have intensified efforts to enhance road safety through various strategies, such as:

  • Linking Kentucky: A statewide corridor plan to improve connectivity and safety.
  • Data management: Maintaining databases for planning, roadway attributes, and crash information.
  • Analytical tools: The Crash Analysis Data Tool (CDAT) is used to compare safety scores of road segments.
  • Vision Zero Plan: Louisville uses the Safe System approach to design safer roadways.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Driving Records

Here are the most commonly asked questions about driving records in Kentucky:

Can Someone Obtain Another Person's Full DHR?

An individual can access someone else's full DHR if they provide either a notarized release document or a subpoena from the record owner.

How Can a Person Contest an Inaccuracy on Their Driving Record?

The individual should contact the Kentucky DDL at 502-564-1257. They should provide comprehensive information about the error and any supporting evidence related to the inaccuracy.

How Often Should an Individual Review Their Driving Record?

A person should review their driving record periodically, especially after receiving a traffic citation, being involved in a vehicular accident, or seeking employment. 

Here are some helpful links and resources for Kentucky drivers:

Counties in Kentucky

List of Content

  1. Types of Driving Records Available in Kentucky
    1. Three-Year Driving History Record (DHR)
    2. Full Driving History Record (DHR)
    3. Non-Certified and Certified DHRs
  2. How To Request a Kentucky Driving History Report?
    1. Online
    2. By Mail
    3. In-Person
  3. Uses of Kentucky Driving Records
    1. Understanding Kentucky Driving Laws
      1. General Driving Laws
      2. Requirements for Residents, New Residents, and Foreign Nationals
    2. The Points System in Kentucky
      1. Accumulating Points
      2. Duration and Reduction of Points
    3. Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Kentucky
      1. Criminal Driving Offenses
      2. Civil Driving Offenses
    4. Kentucky Driving Statistics and Goals
      1. Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Driving Records
        1. Can Someone Obtain Another Person's Full DHR?
        2. How Can a Person Contest an Inaccuracy on Their Driving Record?
        3. How Often Should an Individual Review Their Driving Record?
      2. Helpful Links and Resources