Kentucky Statute 189.292 prohibits any driver from texting while on the road. Drivers can’t use a cell phone to write, send, or read a text while the vehicle is in motion. Instant messaging or emailing is also forbidden. The restrictions for younger drivers are different.
Kentucky No Texting Law
The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) reports that some sort of distraction contributes to nearly 80 percent of all crashes in the U.S. In a single year, Kentucky recorded around 14,000 people injured by accidents caused by distraction.
Cell phones are the latest and greatest provider of distraction for Kentucky drivers.
Despite several recent attempts to change the law, in 2024, cell phone use by drivers was still permitted in Kentucky. However, the use of cell phones to manually communicate e.g., texting and instant messaging is illegal. The legal guidelines are explained in Kentucky statutes.
Kentucky Statute KRS 189.292
“ (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, no person shall, while operating a motor vehicle that is in motion on the traveled portion of a roadway, write, send, or read text-based communication using a personal communication device to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including but not limited to communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail.”
The exceptions mentioned in the statute above are as follows:
- Drivers may use GPS functions for driving
- Entering a phone number to make a call
- The operator of an emergency or public safety vehicle can use a cell phone as part of job duties
Drivers are also allowed to text to report crime, request medical help, request a police response, or to prevent injury to a person or damage property.
Penalties for Texting While Driving in Kentucky
Cell Phone Restrictions for Teen Drivers in Kentucky
Drivers under 18 years old in Kentucky have to follow a stricter set of rules. These young motorists may not use personal communication devices for any reason. But there are a few situations where usage would be allowed.
The KOHS goes over the appropriate use of a cell phone for drivers who are minors. The use of a GPS app is allowed, but addresses must be entered while the car is stopped.
If a cell phone rings or a call is needed, the teen driver would need to handle it in one of three ways:
- Safely pull off the roadway and answer it.
- Allow a passenger to answer the phone.
- Let it go to voicemail.
Drivers under 18 years old would need to return a call after pulling over or arriving at a destination and parking.
Contact a Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer After a Collision
Drivers too often ignore the texting ban and/or devote too much focus to a cell phone screen. These reckless decisions lead to devastating crashes and life-changing injuries.
If you have been seriously injured in a collision caused by a careless distracted driver, contact a Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We help victims and their families earn the money they need to fully recover in Lexington, Louisville, and across the entire state.
