7 Things Kentucky Drivers Can Get Ticketed for That Feel Completely Legal
Kentucky’s General Assembly changed a traffic rule in House Bill 7, and the change took effect on July 15, 2026.
You might not have heard about it.
These are the things you can get ticketed for in Kentucky that feel completely legal to many drivers.
Note: This is general information, not legal advice. Traffic laws and fines are subject to change, so confirm the current requirements with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
1. Cruising in the Left Lane
Sitting in the left lane on some highways can bring a ticket.
That means a limited-access highway with four or more lanes and a posted limit of at least 65 mph.
You can use that lane for only three reasons.
Those are overtaking a slower vehicle, yielding to traffic coming onto the highway, and avoiding conditions that make the right or center lanes unsafe.
Many drivers figure the left lane is a safe place to cruise.
It isn’t on the list.
If you’re not passing, yielding or avoiding a hazard, a ticket carries a fine of $20 to $100.
2. Passing a Stopped School Bus
Before July 15, 2026, you didn’t have to stop when approaching a school bus from the opposite direction on a highway with four or more lanes.
House Bill 7 narrowed that exemption.
Now you have to stop for a school or church bus with its stop arm and signal lights on, whichever way you’re headed.
The one exception is for traffic coming the other way on a highway of four or more lanes divided by an elevated barrier or an unpaved median.
A first offense can bring a fine of $200 to $500, 30 to 60 days in jail, or both.
If you’re caught again within three years, the fine rises to $300 to $1,000, or the jail time to 60 days to six months.
Your driving record takes at least six points if you’re convicted.
3. Not Moving Over for Roadside Vehicles
Passing a stopped utility repair truck or tow truck with its lights flashing, without moving over or slowing down, can bring a ticket.
Both fall under the state’s definition of a public safety vehicle, along with state, county and city service vehicles.
On a highway with four or more lanes, you have to move to a lane away from the stopped vehicle if the change is safe.
At least two of those lanes have to head the same way you’re going.
On smaller roads, or when changing lanes isn’t safe, you have to slow down to a safe speed.
The same rule covers a disabled vehicle showing a warning signal such as emergency flashers, flares or reflective signals.
A violation can bring a fine of $60 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
4. Reading a Text While Moving
Writing, sending or reading a text message, instant message or email while your vehicle is in motion can bring a ticket.
Reading counts, too.
Many drivers figure a quick glance at a notification is harmless.
The rule applies only while you’re moving on the traveled portion of a roadway.
It exempts using GPS and reading or entering a name or number to place a call.
A first offense costs you $25, and each later offense costs $50.
Psst! How much do you know about Kentucky’s rules of the road? Take our quiz and see if you can ace it.
Quiz
Kentucky Road Rules IQ
Answer nine questions on Kentucky’s rules of the road. We bet you can’t get them all right. Prove us wrong?
In Kentucky, driving between the vehicles of a funeral procession is what level of offense?
5. Dark Window Tint
Kentucky law sets the darkest tint your front side windows can have, and they have to let in at least 35% of visible light.
Driving a Kentucky-registered vehicle with darker front side glass can bring a fine of $20 to $100.
The statute adds that tint falling short of the standard has to be removed immediately.
A shop that installs tint has to put a compliance label on the inside left door jamb of your vehicle.
Kentucky Tint Limits, Window by Window
Kentucky's tint statute sets a separate limit for each window instead of one number for the whole car.
Your windshield can carry tint or other material only if it lets in at least 70% of light and isn't red or yellow, apart from a strip across the top.
Windows behind the driver can use film that lets in at least 18% of light, or 8% on a multipurpose passenger vehicle.
Front side windows can't reflect more than 25% of visible light, and rear-window film can't reflect more than 35%.
Each percentage in those limits carries a tolerance of plus or minus 3%.
6. Signaling Late
A turn signal has to run continuously for the last 100 feet before your turn, and switching it on late can bring a ticket.
You need an appropriate signal before you move left or right on a roadway.
That's earlier than many drivers start signaling.
Flipping the signal on as you start the turn leaves that distance uncovered.
The fine is the same $20 to $100 as in the left-lane rule.
7. Carrying an Uncovered Load
A load that could shift or spill needs a cover once you drive more than one mile with it.
Whatever you use as a cover has to be a device suited to prevent spillage.
Your pickup bed full of mulch, yard debris or gravel can fit that description.
A ticket for an uncovered load can bring a fine of $20 to $100.
Exhaust Louder Than the Factory Muffler
Kentucky bars you from modifying a vehicle's exhaust system so it's louder than the muffler it came with.
Driving with your muffler cut out or removed is another violation.
Many drivers see an aftermarket exhaust as a harmless upgrade.
The fine for either one is $20 to $100.
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