Kentucky DUI & License Suspension — What Happens

License consequences are often the most immediately disruptive part of a DUI case in Kentucky. The administrative suspension is a separate proceeding from the criminal case and can result in loss of driving privileges even if the criminal charges are eventually reduced or dismissed §189A.200.

• First-offense (failed test): None for a failed test alone (court-ordered pretrial suspension applies only on test refusal, qualifying prior offenses, or an accident causing death or serious physical injury)
• First-offense (refusal): 30-day to 120-day license suspension (aggravated offense consequences may apply)

Kentucky does offer a form of restricted or limited driving privileges during or after the administrative suspension. Hardship license available after serving mandatory minimum of 30 days suspension on first offense, with IID installation required.

The administrative suspension and the criminal case are legally independent. Winning the administrative hearing does not dismiss the criminal case. Losing the administrative hearing does not prove guilt in the criminal case. However, the facts overlap significantly, and the administrative hearing can sometimes reveal evidence or testimony that is useful in the criminal defense.

ignition interlock license is the sole license available during suspension for KRS 189A.010(1)(a), (b), (e), or (f) violations; a hardship license under KRS 189A.410 is an option only for (c) or (d) violations. The minimum IID period is device restriction lasts the KRS 189A.070(1) suspension period and, for a first offense, until 90 consecutive violation-free days are certified (120 consecutive days for subsequent offenses). Reinstatement requires proof of IID installation, completion of any required substance abuse programs, payment of reinstatement fees, and proof of insurance (SR-22 in many states).