True Ticket CostIndependent · not a court or government site

Kentucky traffic tickets

Points, traffic school, deadlines and what a ticket does to your insurance in Kentucky.

Speeding ticketAbout $131–$234estimate with court costs
License at risk12 ptsin 24 months
Kentucky State Traffic SchoolYesavailable, with limits
Insurance after 1 ticket+15%on $2,496 a year

What will my ticket really cost? Check my points

What kind of ticket did you get?

Which court is on your ticket?

One statewide schedule sets most fines. Pick the court named on your ticket.

Kentucky county courts

Phone, pay-online link and traffic school steps for 5 courts. Tap a county to open it.

Boone County(859) 448-2900Pays online

Boone District Court (Burlington). Fines follow the Kentucky statewide schedule.

Address
Boone County Justice Center, 6025 Rogers Lane, Room 141, Burlington, KY 41005
Phone
(859) 448-2900
Hours
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ kycourts.gov ↗

Fayette County(859) 246-2228Pays online

Fayette District Court (Lexington). Fines follow the Kentucky statewide schedule.

Address
Robert F. Stephens District Courthouse, 150 N. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507
Phone
(859) 246-2228
Hours
Criminal/Traffic clerk open 24 hours a day (closed Dec. 24 and 25). Other offices Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ kycourts.gov ↗

Jefferson County(502) 595-4428Pays online

Jefferson District Court (Louisville), Circuit Court Clerk District Criminal/Traffic Division. Fines follow the Kentucky statewide schedule.

Address
Louis D. Brandeis Hall of Justice, 600 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202
Phone
(502) 595-4428
Hours
In-person citation payments Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Clerk's main office Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Traffic school
How to request it at this court ↗

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ jeffersonkycourtclerk.com ↗

Kenton County(859) 292-6521Pays online

Kenton District Court (Covington). Fines follow the Kentucky statewide schedule.

Address
Kenton County Justice Center, 230 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011
Phone
(859) 292-6521
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ kentoncourtclerk.org ↗

Warren County(270) 746-7400Pays online

Warren District Court (Bowling Green). Fines follow the Kentucky statewide schedule.

Address
Warren County Justice Center, 1001 Center St., Suite 102, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone
(270) 746-7400
Hours
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Traffic school
How to request it at this court ↗

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ kycourts.gov ↗

What are your options with a Kentucky ticket?

Paying is the fastest route, and it usually puts the ticket on your record. Kentucky State Traffic School is the main way to avoid that.

  1. Prepay the ticket

    If the citation is marked payable, pay the fine plus court costs to the circuit clerk online (ePay), by phone or in person before your court date.

    What it does: Counts as a guilty plea. The conviction and any points go on your record.[8][7][5][9]

    Cost: Fine plus about $130 in court costs

  2. Appear in court and plead not guilty

    Go to district court on the date on your citation and ask for a trial. Tickets not marked payable require this anyway.

    What it does: If you win, no fine, costs or points. If you lose, you pay the fine and costs and get the points.[8][7]

  3. Ask the judge for State Traffic School

    Ask the district court judge to sentence you to State Traffic School. The Cabinet mails an enrollment letter. Finish online within 30 days.

    What it does: No points, and it stays off the 3-year record. Allowed once every 12 months.[3][4]

    Cost: $39 online or $15 classroom, plus court costs

  4. County attorney traffic safety program

    Many county attorneys run a program (often called CATS or Drive Safe) that you join before your court date. You take a short course and the county attorney asks the court to dismiss the ticket.

    What it does: The ticket is dismissed, with no conviction or points. Not open to CDL holders.[4][20][19]

    Cost: Program fee set by each county, plus a $25 clerk fee and $30 paid instead of court costs

  5. Ask for a payment plan

    If you can't pay everything at sentencing, ask the judge for an installment plan.

    What it does: The conviction stands, but you pay over time.[9]

What does the Kentucky state schedule charge for speeding?

1–5 mph overAbout $131–$139[5][9][10][11]$1–$5 fine + costs
6–10 mph overAbout $146–$154[5][9][10][11]$16–$20 fine + costs
11–15 mph overAbout $152–$164[5][9][10][11]$22–$30 fine + costs
16–20 mph overAbout $162–$174[5][9][10][11]$32–$40 fine + costs
21–25 mph overAbout $173–$189[5][9][10][11]$43–$55 fine + costs
26+ mph overAbout $190–$234[5][7]$60–$100 fine + costs

Every conviction adds court costs of $100, plus a $20 fee (24A.176) and a $10 fee (24A.1765), for $130 on top of the fine.[9][10][11][18][6]

Every fine on the Kentucky schedule (15)
TicketState fineWith court costs
Speeding, 1–5 mph overPrinted as: 1-5 mph over the limitFine is $1 per mph over.$1–$5[5][9][10][11]$131–$139
Speeding, 6–10 mph overPrinted as: 6-10 mph over the limitFine is $16 at 6 over, rising $1 per mph to $20 at 10 over.$16–$20[5][9][10][11]$146–$154
Speeding, 11–15 mph overPrinted as: 11-15 mph over the limitFine is $22 at 11 over, rising $2 per mph to $30 at 15 over.$22–$30[5][9][10][11]$152–$164
Speeding, 16–20 mph overPrinted as: 16-20 mph over the limitFine is $32 at 16 over, rising $2 per mph to $40 at 20 over.$32–$40[5][9][10][11]$162–$174
Speeding, 21–25 mph overPrinted as: 21-25 mph over the limitFine is $43 at 21 over, rising $3 per mph to $55 at 25 over.$43–$55[5][9][10][11]$173–$189
Speeding, 26+ mph overPrinted as: Speeding beyond the chart (26 mph or more over)Not prepayable.$60–$100[5][7]$190–$234
Speeding near a school with flashing lightsThe chart fine (or the $60 to $100 range) is doubled where flashers are on and a school speed limit is set.On your notice[5]Plus court costs
Moving violation in a highway work zone (no injury)Flat $500 fine, prepayable.$500[12]$630–$634
Traffic signal violationGeneral traffic penalty of $20 to $100.$20–$100[6][9]$150–$234
Stop sign or right-of-way violationGeneral traffic penalty of $20 to $100.$20–$100[6][9]$150–$234
Failure to yield right of wayGeneral traffic penalty of $20 to $100.$20–$100[6][9]$150–$234
Texting while driving (first offense)$25 first offense, $50 for each later offense.$25[6]$155–$159
Seat belt violationFine up to $25.Up to $25[6]Up to $25
No insurance (first offense)Up to 90 days in jail is also possible, and registration and plates are suspended.If you fix it: Court may dismiss it. First offense, show proof of insurance.[16]$500–$1,000[16]$630–$1,134
Passing a stopped school or church bus (first offense)Or 30 to 60 days in jail, or both.$200–$500[6]$330–$634

With court costs is an estimate. $100 court costs plus $20 and $10 fees. Jefferson County lists $134.[9][10][11][18][6] Your notice shows the exact total.

How many points is a speeding ticket in Kentucky?

All 20 point values
  • Careless driving or improper driving3 pts[2]
  • Too fast for conditions3 pts[2]
  • Improper turn3 pts[2]
  • Wrong way on a one-way street3 pts[2]
  • Reckless driving4 pts[2]
  • Following too closely4 pts[2]
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road4 pts[2]
  • Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle4 pts[2]
  • Improper passing5 pts[2]
  • Passing a stopped school bus6 pts[2][6]
  • Moving hazardous violation involved in an accident6 pts[2]
  • Two or more moving hazardous violations in one occurrence6 pts[2]
How points work in Kentucky

Kentucky adds points for moving violations. Points expire 2 years after the conviction date, but the conviction stays on your record for 5 years. At 12 points in 2 years (7 if you are under 18) the Transportation Cabinet calls you to a hearing. Speeding up to 10 over on an interstate-style highway adds no points. Kentucky does not add points for speeding tickets from other states unless you hold a CDL.[2][13][21]

Commercial driver? Points and disqualifications work differently. How tickets affect a CDL →

When can you lose your license?

  1. 12 ptsin 24 monthsHearing with the Transportation Cabinet[2]
  2. 7 ptsin 24 monthsHearing for drivers under 18, with the same possible suspension or probation.[2]
Full wording of each rule
  • 12 points in 24 months: Hearing with the Transportation Cabinet. If you skip it, suspension is 6 months for a first 12-point build-up, 1 year for a second and 2 years after that. The Cabinet may instead put you on probation and send you to State Traffic School.
  • 7 points in 24 months: Hearing for drivers under 18, with the same possible suspension or probation.
  • Speeding 26 mph or more over the limit, or racing, leads to a hearing with possible suspension. Attempting to elude police leads to a hearing with immediate suspension.
  • Failing to appear on a citation or summons is grounds for suspension. You get notice by mail and 20 days to ask for an informal hearing.

Getting your license back after a suspension costs $40 in Kentucky, before any course or court costs.[14][15]

Drivers under 21

Drivers under 18 face a hearing at 7 points in 2 years instead of 12. A court cannot hear a traffic case for a driver under 18 unless the adult who signed for the license is present, and drivers under 18 can't prepay a ticket. A judge may send a licensed driver under 18 to a diversion program (up to 45 days without driving and/or a driver improvement clinic), and the charge is dismissed if they finish it.[2][9][7][6]

Can Kentucky State Traffic School keep a ticket off your record in Kentucky?

It can help. The judge sentences you to State Traffic School instead of a fine.[3][4]

How often: Once every 12 months.

Official list of approved schools ↗

Is it worth it for your ticket? Get a yes or no →

Who qualifies, CDL drivers and cost

The judge sentences you to State Traffic School instead of a fine. The Cabinet adds no points once you finish. It stays off the 3-year driving record but shows on the 5-year record that courts and police see. You still pay court costs.[3][4]

Who can use it: Only the Kentucky district court where you got the ticket can refer you. Not allowed if your license was suspended or you had no valid license when cited, if the offense carries a mandatory suspension, or if you are licensed in another state. DUI is excluded.[3][4]

Commercial (CDL) drivers: Yes[3][4] (CDL holders can attend and avoid points, but the conviction still shows on the record.)

Cost: $39 online or $15 classroom (non-refundable), plus court costs. The Jefferson County clerk lists $134 in court costs.[3][4][19]

Do school and work zones cost more?

School zones

Doubled. The speeding fine doubles near a school where flashing lights are on and a school speed limit is set.[5]

Work zones

Flat $500 fine for a moving violation in a highway work zone, as long as signs warn of higher fines and at least one worker is present. $500 to $10,000 if someone is injured or killed.[12]

When is your ticket due?

  1. Date on noticePay or respondset by the court[8][13]
    Details

    Appear in district court on the date on your citation, or prepay before it if the ticket is marked payable. If you miss it: Failing to appear is grounds for license suspension.

  2. 20daysAsk for an informal hearing after a suspension noticefrom the notice date[13]
    Details

    Ask for an informal hearing after a suspension notice. If you miss it: The hearing is waived and the suspension goes ahead.

  3. 30daysFinish traffic schoolfrom conviction[3][4]
    Details

    Finish the online State Traffic School course (or enroll in a classroom course). If you miss it: A missed course or class leads to license suspension until you complete it.

  4. Date on noticeLast day to appealset by the court
    Details

    File a notice of appeal from district court to circuit court

What happens if you don't respond

If you miss your court date, the Transportation Cabinet can suspend your license. You get a notice by mail and 20 days to ask for a hearing. To get your license back you pay the court in the county where you got the ticket and pay the Cabinet's $40 reinstatement fee. Paying only one of them is not enough, and these suspensions never expire on their own.[13][14][15]

Work out your exact dates → · Already missed it?

Will an out-of-state ticket follow you home?

Kentucky will not add points or suspend your license for a speeding ticket from another state, unless you hold a CDL. Other out-of-state convictions that would be grounds for suspension here can lead to a Kentucky suspension, but not for ordinary traffic offenses older than 5 years. Drivers licensed in another state can't use Kentucky State Traffic School unless the court orders it.[13][3]

How out-of-state tickets work →

How much will it raise your insurance in Kentucky?

One speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium by about 15% on average in Kentucky[1], from a clean-record average of $2,496 a year.[1] If that increase stays for three years, that's about $1,123 on top of the fine.

Averages from ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026, not a quote. Insurers differ, and many look back three to five years.

Where are the official pages?

What else do people ask?

How do points work in Kentucky?

Kentucky adds points for moving violations. Points expire 2 years after the conviction date, but the conviction stays on your record for 5 years. At 12 points in 2 years (7 if you are under 18) the Transportation Cabinet calls you to a hearing. Speeding up to 10 over on an interstate-style highway adds no points. Kentucky does not add points for speeding tickets from other states unless you hold a CDL.

How many points before your license is at risk in Kentucky?

12 points in 24 months: Hearing with the Transportation Cabinet. If you skip it, suspension is 6 months for a first 12-point build-up, 1 year for a second and 2 years after that. The Cabinet may instead put you on probation and send you to State Traffic School.

Can traffic school keep a ticket off my record in Kentucky?

Kentucky State Traffic School: The judge sentences you to State Traffic School instead of a fine. The Cabinet adds no points once you finish. It stays off the 3-year driving record but shows on the 5-year record that courts and police see. You still pay court costs. Limit: Once every 12 months.

Will an out-of-state ticket follow me home to Kentucky?

Kentucky is a member of the Driver License Compact, so convictions in other member states are reported to Kentucky. Kentucky will not add points or suspend your license for a speeding ticket from another state, unless you hold a CDL. Other out-of-state convictions that would be grounds for suspension here can lead to a Kentucky suspension, but not for ordinary traffic offenses older than 5 years. Drivers licensed in another state can't use Kentucky State Traffic School unless the court orders it.

How much does a speeding ticket raise insurance in Kentucky?

About 15% on average for full coverage, according to ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026. Your insurer's rate can differ a lot from the average.

Sources

Kentucky law and DMV sources (22)
  1. AAMVA DLC/NRVC Member Joinder Dates (rev. April 2026), AAMVA.
  2. Kentucky Point System, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (DRIVE).
  3. KY State Traffic School, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (DRIVE).
  4. KRS 186.574 State traffic school, county attorney-operated traffic safety program, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  5. KRS 189.394 Fines for speeding, doubling in school areas with flashing lights, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  6. KRS 189.990 Penalties (traffic regulations), Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  7. KRS 189.999 Prepayment of fines subject to certain conditions, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  8. KRS 431.452 Prepayment of fines subject to certain conditions, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  9. KRS 24A.175 Court costs for criminal cases in District Court, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  10. KRS 24A.176 Additional costs imposed in criminal cases, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  11. KRS 24A.1765 Additional fees for criminal cases, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  12. KRS 189.2327 Fines in highway work zone, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  13. KRS 186.570 Denial or suspension of license, informal hearing, appeal, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  14. KRS 186.531 Fees for licenses (reinstatement fee, subsection 8), Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  15. License Reinstatement, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (DRIVE).
  16. KRS 304.99-060 Penalties for violation of Subtitle 39 (no insurance), Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  17. KRS 534.040 Fines for misdemeanors and violations, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  18. KRS 24A.179 Additional fee in misdemeanor cases, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  19. Traffic Citation Options, Office of the Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk.
  20. CATS Program (County Attorney Traffic Safety), Warren County Attorney's Office.
  21. KRS 186.572 Penalty points for speeding on limited access highway, Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission).
  22. Kentucky Court of Justice: Fayette County court information (ePay, Find a Case links), Kentucky Court of Justice.
Insurance sources (4)
  1. State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  2. Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  3. How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  4. How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).