Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Kentucky

Traffic citations are handled by the court in the county where the ticket was issued, through that county's circuit court clerk. Kentucky Court of Justice county pages list payment options; for example, the Boone County page lists cash, local check, money order, and credit or debit card (fee applies), and says payment can be made online with ePay.

Traffic fines are paid to the court in the county where you received the ticket; the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet does not accept fine payments. Kentucky Court of Justice county pages link to the courts' ePay system for online payment, and each county's Circuit Court Clerk lists its accepted payment options.

Completing Kentucky State Traffic School prevents points from being assessed, but the conviction still appears on the record (it does not show on the 3-year public record but does show on the 5-year record used by law enforcement, courts and other agencies). A driver may attend only once every 12 months, cannot have been under suspension at the time of the citation, and cannot use it for a conviction carrying a mandatory suspension. Unlicensed and out-of-state drivers are not eligible unless a court orders it. CDL holders' moving convictions still appear on the record. The online course costs $39 and the classroom course $15, completed or enrolled within 30 days of the referral or conviction date.

Suspension reasons verified on official pages: reaching the point threshold (12 points in two years for adults, 7 for drivers under 18), speeding 26 mph or more over the limit (90 days or probation after a hearing), and DUI convictions (see first-offense DUI). Before reinstatement after a DUI suspension, the driver must complete the required alcohol or substance abuse treatment or education program.