Kentucky's Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

In Kentucky, driving recklessly can lead to fines and license suspension. This article explains how Kentucky defines reckless driving and the specific penalties you'll face for a conviction.

What Is Considered "Reckless Driving" in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s “reckless driving” law requires all motorists to drive “in a careful manner, with regard for the safety and convenience of pedestrians and other vehicles upon the highway.” The statute also prohibits purposefully driving “in such a manner as to injure the highway.” (Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 189.290.)

Kentucky's Reckless Driving Penalties

Motorists convicted of reckless driving in Kentucky face $20 to $100 in fines. For a third reckless driving conviction within a 12-month period, the motorist’s license will be revoked for six months.

A reckless driving conviction will also add four points to the motorist’s driving record. Accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year period can lead to license suspension.

Reckless Driving and DUI Charges (“Wet Reckless”) in Kentucky

In some states, it’s possible for a driver who’s charged with driving under the influence (DUI) to “plea bargain” for a lesser charge. When a DUI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it’s sometimes called a “wet reckless.”

Kentucky law generally prohibits prosecutors from reducing a DUI to a lesser charge when the driver either refused chemical testing or had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more (.02% or more for drivers under age 21). In DUI cases that don’t involve refusal or excessive BAC, plea bargaining is allowed.

Talk to a Kentucky Defense Attorney

The facts of every case are different. If you’ve been arrested for or charged with reckless driving, get in contact with an experienced defense attorney. A qualified attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on how best to handle your situation.