Kentucky drivers are not allowed to text while a vehicle is in motion. Drivers under 18 years old are not allowed to use a cell phone for texting or anything else. Violators face fines between $20 and $100 in fines. These fines will come along with high court fees.
The Fines Kentucky Texting and Driving Offenders Pay
The laws outlined under Kentucky Statute KRS 189.292 explain the texting ban placed on Kentucky drivers. Motorists may not use their cell phones for texting, emailing, or instant messaging while a vehicle is in motion. You can read more about the law and the additional restrictions placed on drivers under 18 on our page here.
If a Kentucky law enforcement officer cites a driver for texting and driving, the fines would start at $20.
Kentucky Statute KRS 189.292:
“Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 189.020 to 189.040… shall be fined not less than twenty dollars ($20) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.”
Violators should be warned that a $20 fine won’t seem like much to some, but that won’t be where the financial burden ends. To resolve these fines, drivers would also have to cover court fees. These fees can increase penalties by hundreds of dollars.
An accident caused by someone texting and driving could lead to much more severe penalties for drivers. Victims would face felony charges in an accident if someone was seriously hurt or killed in a collision. This would lead to higher fines and potential jail time.
Do I Get Points on My License if I Text and Drive in Kentucky?
Yes. In most cases, a texting and driving charge would put three to four points on your record. Reach 12 points for violations over a two-year period, and you could have your driver’s license suspended.
Kentucky uses a point system to identify people who repeatedly ignore or neglect to follow state traffic laws. It’s meant to get dangerous drivers off the road.
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.
