Beginning January 1st, 2011 Kentucky’s new cell phone ban on drivers under age 18 and text messaging ban for all drivers goes into effect. Signed by Governor Beshear on April 25th, 2010 Kentucky’s House Bill 415 prohibits cell phone use while driving.
Specifically for under 18 drivers:
Any person under the age of eighteen (18) who has been issued an instruction permit, intermediate license, or operator’s license shall not operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped that is in motion on the traveled portion of a roadway while using a personal communication device, except to summon medical help or a law enforcement or public safety agency in an emergency situation.
And for all drivers:
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.
Penalties for a first offense is $25 with subsequent offenses costing $50 plus court costs.
