Kentucky (KY) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of Kentucky, teens represent 6% of all drivers on the road, yet they account for 20% of all persons injured in car accidents and 13% of all fatalities. What’s worse is, in 2007, more than 500 teens were involved in alcohol-related car crashes—12 were fatal. In response to the problems associated with teen driving, Kentucky now protects its teen’s drivers through the states Graduated Teen-Licensing Law. Under the new laws, which have been in effect since October 1, 2006, the state of Kentucky requires teens to spend more time behind the wheel with adult supervision in addition to other requirements. Continue reading to learn more about Kentucky’s Graduated Teen-Licensing Law and enforcement.

Kentucky Graduated Teen-Licensing Law, License Requirements, and Enforcement

Kentucky’s Graduated Teen Licensing law is fairly simple. Under the law, teens will have a 6-month intermediary period between the learner’s permit and a full, unrestricted license. During the 6-month period, the teen will have a license, but its main purpose is practice. During the permit phase, the licensee must complete a minimum of 60 hours of practice driving. Ten hours should be completed at night. During this time period, the teen driver cannot drive between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. The only exceptions to this rule are:

•    Cases of emergency
•    To and from school
•    To and from the work place

The licensee cannot transport more than one passenger (must be a relative) under the age of 20 and he must drive with a licensed driver at all times.

In order to apply for a learner’s permit, the teen must be at least 16 years of age and take a written knowledge test. He must bring the following documents to the Kentucky Circuit Courts Office:

•    Birth certificate
•    Social security card
•    Parent or legal guardian

The state of Kentucky allows teens to take the test a second time if they fail the test. If you pass the first time, you will receive your learner’s permit. After holding the learner’s permit for 6 months, licensees must take a driving skills test to obtain an unrestricted license. After setting up an appointment with the Kentucky Circuit Courts Office, you must gather the following documents:

•    Registration
•    Proof of insurance

Under the provisions of the unrestricted license, teens under the age of 18 cannot accumulate any points on their licenses. If you accumulate more than 7 points on your license for traffic violations, you will lose your license. Young adults ages 18, but not older then 21, will lose their licenses if they accumulate 12 points or more.

Kentucky Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

Under House Bill 230 (HB 230) it is against the law for Kentucky teens under the age of 18 to use a wireless communication device while driving. Hands-free accessories are prohibited as well. The only exceptions are emergencies or to report illegal activity. If you violate Kentucky’s cell phone law, you will be fines $50 for a first offense, and $100 for a second offense. Your license may also be suspended for a period of time to be determined by the courts.

Kentucky Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Kentucky, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink, for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a Kentucky teen of DUI. In fact, more than 3,451 teens were convicted of DUI in 2006, and 3,108 were charged and convicted in 2007. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% you will lose your license for 30 days for a first offense and one year for a second offense. For a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you will lose your license for one year – even if it’s your first offense.

Kentucky Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Kentucky, all drivers must carry minimum liability auto insurance. All Kentucky drivers must carry at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person per in an accident, $50,000 for all bodily injuries per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident (25/50/10). The state of Kentucky also offers a “single limit plan.” The plan covers liability in the amount of $60,000. Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year.

An increase in your auto insurance premium is inevitable once you add a teen to the policy, but this doesn’t mean you can’t cash in on special discounts designed just for teens. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing sports and luxury cars for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).