The Kentucky Cell-Phone Law

Driving and Cell-Phones in Kentucky

Read "Hands Free Phones" or Kentucky Auto Insurance

2009 Update - Text Messaging Bill

A new bill ( KY BR 180) has been prefiled by Representative Jody Richards concerning Text Messaging titled "Personal communication devices".

The bill is intended to define personal communication devices and to prohibit text messaging while operating a motor vehicle and ;

" Create a new section of KRS Chapter 189 to define "personal communication device"; prohibit text messaging while operating a motor vehicle; provide for specific exclusions; amend KRS 189.990 to set penalties; provide for a probationary period ending January 1, 2011, during which courtesy warnings will be issued; set fine for violation at $20 to $100 for each offense after the probationary period; exclude court costs."

Keep in mind that this bill has NOT been enacted and similar bills in the past have failed.

Kentucky Driving and Cell Phone Laws

Kentucky has two cell-phone laws. These laws affect drivers under the age of 18 and school bus operators. The legislation for school bus drivers is House Bill 230 (HB 230). HB 230 prohibits the use of a cellular telephone while the school bus is in motion and transporting one or more children.

There is an exception for communications made to and from central dispatch, school transportation department when the bus is not equipped with a functioning two-way radio. This law does not provide exceptions for hands-free devices.

Violation of HB 230 will be $50 for the first offense, and subsequent violations will be fined $100 and will be suspended from driving a school bus for six months. The other cell-phone law is an amendment to House Bill 90, Kentucky's graduated drivers license bill.

The original bill created a intermediate period of six months between a learners permit and a unrestricted license. This bill was amended to prohibit the use of a cell phone or other wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on the highway. This affects drivers under the age of 18 who possess an instruction permit or an intermediate license.

More Information on Kentucky's Cell-Phone Driving Law

Here is the State of Kentucky's government website that has information regarding Kentucky's cell-phone driving law.

State Website- Kentucky's Cell-Phone Driving Law for a School Bus Operator

State Website- Kentucky's Cell-Phone Driving Law for Minors

Other Kentucky Information on This Website

Teen Driving Laws in Kentucky

Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties & Fines in Kentucky

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