A Hardship License
KRS 189A.410 — limited driving for work, school, medical care or treatment, from the sentencing court
For a suspension for driving under the influence of a substance other than alcohol, or with a listed controlled substance in the blood, the court may grant hardship privileges for the rest of the suspension when losing the license would hinder work, school, necessary medical care, or education, treatment or counseling programs.
- The person shows proof of insurance.
- Sworn statements come from the employer, school, doctor or program, giving hours and why driving is needed.
- School use does not include sports, social or extracurricular activities.
The sentencing court decides hardship licenses, and the prosecutor reviews each application and may object. A person who refused a test cannot get one.
Sources for this section (3)
- KRS 189A.410 — Hardship license -- Prohibition against issuance when alcohol or substance test refused
- KRS 189A.400 — Sentencing court jurisdiction over issuance of ignition interlock and hardship licenses -- Commonwealth's or county attorney's review of application and right to object
- KRS 189A.010 — Operating motor vehicle with alcohol concentration of or above 0.08, or of or above 0.02 for persons under age twenty-one, or while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or other substance which impairs driving ability prohibited -- Admissibility of alcohol concentration or controlled substance test results -- Presumptions -- Penalties -- Aggravating circumstances
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Kentucky attorney.