📱 Kansas Cellphone Laws While Driving (2025 Update)

Kristina Hemel
Jul 3
3 min read

Kansas has long maintained strict rules against texting while driving—but as of July 1, 2025, significant expansions make the state’s distracted driving laws even more robust.

1. Texting/Manual Typing Ban – All Drivers

Since May 24, 2010, it’s been illegal for all drivers, regardless of license type, to manually type, read, or send written communications while driving—this includes texting, emailing, or messaging via apps (facebook.com, en.wikipedia.org).
Violations carry a $60 fine (kwch.com).

2. Handheld Use Prohibition for Novice Drivers & in Work/School Zones (Effective July 1, 2025)

House Bill 2499 takes effect July 1, 2025, introducing a primary offense ban on any handheld cellphone use by:
- Drivers under 18 (learner or intermediate licenses)
- All drivers in school zones or road-construction zones when workers are present (kansasreflector.com, ghsa.org).
From July 1 through December 31, 2025: warning citations only. Enforcement will escalate to full fines beginning January 1, 2026 (kslegislature.gov).

3. Hands‑Free Mandate for All Drivers

As of July 1, 2025, Kansas officially transitions to a hands-free law: drivers may still use phones—but only via voice commands or devices mounted to the vehicle, no physical handling permitted (facebook.com).
This aligns Kansas with most U.S. states that prohibit handheld cellphone use while driving (the-sun.com).

4. Texting Ban Still Strong and Enforced

The longstanding text‑messaging ban remains in full force: no reading, typing, or sending texts by any driver, with a primary enforcement structure and $60 fine (kwch.com).

5. Legal Exceptions

Kansas law does allow drivers to use a phone when:

The vehicle is safely stopped off-traveled roadway
Using hands-free tech (e.g., Bluetooth, voice‑activated)
Responding to emergencies (summoning help, reporting crimes/injuries)
Receiving traffic or weather alerts, or navigating GPS (kslegislature.gov, kslegislature.gov, the-sun.com).

6. Move‑Over “Hands-Off” Law

A separate law effective March 2025 requires drivers to move over or slow down for stopped or disabled vehicles (with running hazard lights) — similar to the classic "move-over" law (kwch.com).

Why This Matters: Key Takeaways for Drivers

July 1, 2025 marks a turning point: handheld phone use becomes prohibited statewide, and violations progress from warnings to fines in 2026.
Novice drivers and those passing through school or work zones will face more stringent restrictions and primary enforcement penalties.
With the hands-free mandate, all drivers must adapt—disconnect from phones while driving and rely on voice or mounted systems.
Existing texting bans and clarifying exceptions ensure safety is prioritized.

🚗 Safety Tips & Compliance

Invest in a mount for your phone and use voice‑activated assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
Schedule texting or scrolling before driving or after you’ve pulled over.
Learner and intermediate drivers should understand the absolute ban on handheld devices through end‑2025.
Watch out in work or school zones—you’ll face penalties even mid‑drive.

The Road Ahead

Kansas is joining the growing number of states banning handheld phone use while driving. After the warning period, violators face real fines, and the state is aiming to reduce distracted‑driving crashes (which made up 26% of Kansas crashes in 2023) (the-sun.com, ghsa.org, en.wikipedia.org, devaughnjames.com, kwch.com).

✅ In Summary (as of July 1, 2025):

Law	Applies To	Allowed?	Fine/Enforcement
Texting/Typing	All drivers	No	$60 (primary)
Handheld Use	<18, school & work zones	No	$60; warning till 12/31/25, then fines
Handheld Use	All drivers	No	Warning July‑Dec ’25; fines start Jan ’26
Hands-Free Use	All drivers	Yes	Permitted if mounted or voice controlled

Bottom line: As of July 1, 2025, hands‑free only, no texting, and no handheld use in sensitive zones or by young drivers. It's time to rethink those behind‑the‑wheel habits and keep your eyes—and hands—on the road.