Drivers would face phone-use limits in school and construction zones

Drivers would be barred from using mobile phones in covered zones unless an exception applies. The restriction would cover Kansas motor vehicle drivers during enforced reduced school-zone speed limits or while road construction workers are present. It excludes two-way and amateur radios, subscription-based emergency and prescribed medical devices, and remote diagnostic systems. Hands-free use and use while safely and legally stopped would be allowed. Police and emergency personnel acting within their job duties would be exempt. Drivers could report ongoing illegal activity, prevent imminent injury to people or property, or summon emergency help. Transit and for-hire drivers could communicate with dispatchers through a device permanently attached to the vehicle. If enacted, the restriction would take effect after publication in the statute book.

Police would give warning citations during the warning period. Holding a phone would be enough initial evidence to support a violation, though drivers could challenge it. These rules would cover violations of the phone restriction. The construction-zone fine rule appears in passages s15612 and s15968. The $60 scheduled fine would apply under the listed guilty or no-contest payment rules, with court costs. Other court proceedings could result in a different fine. If the phone offense were classified as a moving violation, the existing construction-zone rule would double the scheduled fine. If enacted, the warning requirement would expire on and after July 1, 2027.