Drunk Driving In Kentucky KY
Reader’s Question:
I am doing a research about Drunk Driving in the state of Kentucky. I reckon that you can help me. What is the best thing to do if an arresting officer asks a driver to take a field sobriety test? Would there be any legal consequences if a driver refuses to take a field sobriety test?
Joseph
Lexington-Fayette, KY
Thanks for asking, Joseph.
In Kentucky, there a a lot of Field Sobriety Tests (FST) being conducted but most arresting officers will use 3-5 of the more common options. These are one-leg-stand, modified position of attention (the Rhomberg test), horizontal gaze nystagmus, alphabet recitation, fingers-to-thumb, finger-to-nose, hand pat and heel-to-toe.
The officer has more than likely already decided to make an arrest if he/she requests that the driver submit to the FSTs. If the driver predictably fails, this simply serves as additional evidence for the case. Refusing to submit to an FST should not have any legal consequences unlike the chemical tests. Because of this, the best option is that the driver can politely refuse to submit to any FSTs.
Hope this information would help you in your research. Good luck.
Car Insurance Rate DUI Kentucky KY
Reader’s Question:
I got my first conviction for DUI and need to go to DUI school. If I give this certificate to my insurance company in Kentucky, could it help with my premium or anything? Is it mandatory that I should give my insurance this certificate? Are there any other classes I could take to decrease my insurance rate?
Paul
Louisville, KY
No. Taking alcohol class or driving course due to DUI does not typically help with your insurance premiums. DUI school is just a component of the penalties ordered by the court after conviction of DUI, DDW, or OUI.
Every state varies on their rules and regulations for DUI school. In some states, it is mandated that one completes a DUI course to regain any driving privileges such as full license or conditional/restricted license. In some states, DUI classes are required upon any DUI conviction.
Regarding your certificate, it is best that you contact your insurance company in Kentucky to verify if they need your DUI completion certificate. But because the course was due to DUI, there is a big probability that it would not lower your premium.