Traffic Violations Charges in Kentucky
Most Kentucky traffic matters are violations, which carry a fine and no jail. The ones that matter are the handful that are misdemeanors, because those create a criminal record: driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, and leaving the scene.
What the statute carries
| Violation | Fine up to $250, no jail |
|---|---|
| Class B misdemeanor | Up to 90 days and a fine up to $250 |
| Class A misdemeanor | Up to 12 months and a fine up to $500 |
Source: KRS 534.040, KRS 532.090. Checked 2026-09-20.
Three things people get wrong
- A violation cannot put you in jail; a misdemeanor can, and it stays on a record that employers can see.
- Driving on a suspended license is charged under KRS 186.620 and escalates with each offense.
- Traffic infractions are expungeable under the same statute as misdemeanors, KRS 431.078.
Questions people ask about this charge
How Kentucky grades an offense
| Grade | Prison or jail | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A felony | 20 to 50 years, or life | $1,000 to $10,000, or double the gain |
| Class B felony | 10 to 20 years | $1,000 to $10,000, or double the gain |
| Class C felony | 5 to 10 years | $1,000 to $10,000, or double the gain |
| Class D felony | 1 to 5 years | $1,000 to $10,000, or double the gain |
| Class A misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $500 |
| Class B misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $250 |
| Violation | No jail | Up to $250 |
Sources: KRS 532.060, KRS 532.090, KRS 534.030, KRS 534.040.
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