Kentucky driving guide

As you prepare to travel through Kentucky, learn more about the driving rules that will help you on the road. From general rules to speed limits, toll prices and safety regulations, our Kentucky driving guide has got all the info you need while on the road in the Bluegrass State.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Kentucky and other states
• Driving conditions 

Quick rules of the road

• Situational right of way is generally instructed via stop or right-of-way road signs in Kentucky:

o   In specific circumstances, such as when entering intersections, the vehicle entering from the left should give way.

o   Pedestrians have right of way at any marked or unmarked crosswalks in Kentucky.

o   If traffic signals are not in operation, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the road.

o   When approaching a 4-way intersection, the vehicle that reaches the intersection first has the right of way.

• It is illegal to leave a child under the age of eight unattended inside a vehicle in Kentucky.
•  Drivers are required to use their headlights in conditions of rain, fog or snow and when the sun begins to set.
• Operation of a phone or similar electronic tool is prohibited while driving, unless using via a hands-free console.

Speed limits in Kentucky

Speed limits in Kentucky can vary depending on vehicle type, road type and the presence of a special area – such as a school or hospital.

The speed limits in Kentucky are: 

Toll roads in Kentucky

With the new RiverLink project in place, Kentucky is now connected to Indiana over the Ohio river with a total of three toll bridges. These are the only tolled routes in Kentucky.

John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge is a single deck, six-lane bridge that travels southbound from Indiana via Interstate 65 and over the Ohio river.

From: Louisville, Kentucky (I-65 South)

To: Jefferson, Indiana (I-65 South)

Cost for car: $2.40 with a RiverLink account / $3.61 with cash / $4.80 for unregistered plate

Cost for truck: $6.00 with RiverLink / $7.19 with cash / $8.39 for unregistered plate

Abraham Lincoln Bridge

The Abraham Lincoln Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that connects Kentucky and Indiana across the northbound route. It is named after U.S. President Abraham Lincoln who was born in Kentucky.

From: Louisville, Kentucky (I-65 North)

To: Jefferson, Indiana (I-65 North)

Cost for car: $2.40 with RiverLink / $3.61 with cash / $4.80 for unregistered plate

Cost for truck: $6.00 with RiverLink / $7.19 with cash / $8.39 for unregistered plate

Lewis and Clark Bridge Ohio

The Lewis and Clark Bridge, previously known as the East End bridge, is built over the Ohio River just northeast of downtown Louisville and is connected to the outer loop around the Louisville metropolitan area.

From: Gene Snyder Freeway, Louisville

To: State Road 265, Indiana

Cost for car: $2.40 with RiverLink / $3.61 with cash / $4.80 for unregistered plate

Cost for truck: $6.00 with RiverLink / $7.19 with cash / $8.39 for unregistered plate

How to pay for toll roads in Kentucky

All payments for tolls in Kentucky are paid by default through the RiverLink or E-ZPass electronic tolling system. Cash or card transactions are available but usually cost more.

If you do not have a compatible electronic toll pass, your toll invoice will be sent to the address registered to the license plate.

Driving ages and license requirements in Kentucky

• The minimum driving age in Kentucky for a restricted license is 16, while a full Class C unrestricted license can be obtained at the age of 17.
• The minimum age to rent a car with Hertz in Kentucky is 20 years old.
• A commercial driving license requires the legal minimum age of the driver to be 18 years.

If you’re below 25 years of age, you can choose from a wide assortment of rental vehicles with Hertz including SUVs, hatchbacks and sedans. Some collections will be unavailable to rent, including Hertz’s Dream Car® Collection. Find out more about renting when you’re under 25 with Hertz.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Kentucky

When driving in Kentucky, you must carry the following:

• Your driving license
• Identification – passport or national ID
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of rental agreement – if relevant
• Warning triangles.

It’s also recommended you have general tools to help you through any snags in your trip. These include:

• Extra tires
• Booster cables
• Blankets/tarpaulin sheets
• Shovel
• Lighter/matches
• Car tool kit
• Utility knife
• First aid kit
• Bottled water.

Kentucky speed violations, infractions, and penalties 

If you are driving over the speed limit in Kentucky, you may be asked to pull over and provide license and registration information. A speeding violation can have an infraction ranging from a verbal warning or speeding ticket to a license suspension or even arrest in extreme cases.

If caught driving between 1-25mph over the speed limit in Kentucky, you should expect a speeding fine of up to $55 and up to 6 points on your license.

Driving more than 26mph over the speed limit can have serious consequences, including a potential license suspension and a fine ranging from $60 to $100. It is important to note that fines are doubled in special zones such as construction or school zones.

Driving with children in Kentucky

Drivers must put children in the correct child restraint system or car seat when in a moving vehicle. Here are the car seat requirements in Kentucky you should follow:

• Children under one year of age or under 20 pounds should be in rear-facing car seats
• Children must be in 5-point harness car seats until the age of four or until they weigh 40 pounds.
•  Children who have reached 40 inches in height should be put in booster seats before securing them with a seat belt.
• Children who are over 57 inches tall should be secured in a seat belt.
• Children below 12 years of age should always be seated in the back seat

Gas prices in Kentucky

The average gas price in Kentucky is $3.55 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Chevrolet Spark, that’s about $0.09 per mile.
• For a larger family car like a Nissan Pathfinder, it works out at $0.13 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated October 26, 2022.

Electric car charging in Kentucky

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – in partnership with several other energy committees – has developed Kentucky's Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Deployment Plan for improved charging infrastructure. Currently, more than 3,500 chargers are available throughout the state.

Driving between Kentucky

mHertz car rentals allow you to travel across state lines and drop off or pick up your rental car from a location convenient to your trip schedule. Check out our locations in neighboring states such as Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Please keep in mind that when you are planning a trip across state lines, you must adhere to separate driving rules. If you are traveling between major cities, different states or across Canada's border, please consult a Hertz team member for further guidelines and restrictions.

Driving conditions in Kentucky

Kentucky has a varied climate with hot and humid summers, while winters are generally cool with occasional snow. Conditions can get windy with episodes of chilly arctic air, so windbreakers are highly recommended in winter.

Kentucky has some of the best road service and highest quality roads in the U.S., which means cars should have no problem on the roads.