In Kansas, it is illegal to read, write, or send messages from a wireless electronic communication device while driving. Texting and driving in Kansas is a traffic infraction with penalties of $60 to $120 in fines.
In 2019, there were 16,382 crashes in Kansas involving distracted drivers, resulting in more than two million dollars worth of damage, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. Texting makes up a huge proportion of distracted driving crashes
, and 1,614 people were injured as a result of mobile phone distractions in 2019. To help prevent future property damage, injuries, and death, the Kansas texting and driving laws limit the use of phones and other electronic devices in the car.
Below, the car insurance
comparison app, Jerry
, will walk you through the details of the texting and driving law, including its penalties and exceptions. We've also included tips on how to reduce your Kansas car insurance costs
! 
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Start earning nowWhat are the texting and driving laws in Kansas?
While driving on a public road or highway in Kansas, writing, sending, or reading any written electronic communication is strictly prohibited.
In this case, “electronic communication” refers to texts, instant messages, emails, or any other written messages on your:
Any other wireless electronic device
What are the penalties for texting and driving in Kansas?
Texting while driving is considered a traffic infraction
. If caught, a law enforcement officer will give you a warning citation, and you will have to either pay a fine or fight the ticket in court. The fines break down as follows:
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Texting while driving in a construction zone | |
On top of these fines, you will likely have to pay additional court costs.
The penalties will be stiffer if your distracted driving leads to property damage, injuries, or death. If it’s not a first-time offense, you could also face harsher consequences.
Are there exceptions to Kansas’ texting and driving laws?
Yes, there are situations where the texting and driving laws would not apply. First of all, law enforcement officers and emergency service personnel are exempt from these laws, as long as the messages they are sending or receiving are required as part of their jobs.
The texting and driving laws don’t apply to drivers who have safely stopped their vehicles away from traffic while writing, sending, or reading messages.
These rules also don’t apply to the following:
Traffic or weather alerts
Incoming messages regarding the operation or navigation of the vehicle itself
Reporting criminal activity to law enforcement
Messages intended to prevent bodily injuries or property damage
Messages between transit drivers or for-hire drivers and their dispatcher, as long as the communication device is permanently attached to the vehicle
Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers?
Although some states have separate rules and penalties for drivers under 18, this is not the case in Kansas. All drivers must obey the rules and pay attention to the road.
Key Takeaway It is illegal to text while driving in Kansas, although there are some exceptions, like emergency messages, weather alerts, and reports to law enforcement of criminal activity.
Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?
In the eyes of an insurance company, texting while driving is a sign of a potentially dangerous and high-risk driver
. As a result, a ticket for texting and driving will most likely lead to raised insurance rates. On average, Kansas drivers pay about $290 more on car insurance after receiving this kind of ticket. That’s a 19% increase!
To avoid this scenario, practice safe driving habits
like: Turning your phone off or putting it in airplane mode, so that you won’t be distracted by incoming text alerts or phone calls
Setting up hands-free voice-to-text messaging
Asking another passenger to send important texts on your behalf
Pulling over (when safe) before reading or sending messages
Queuing up your music playlist before you start the car
Getting your GPS or any other navigational tools all set up before you head out
Overall, try to limit the amount of time you spend touching your phone or other electronic devices as much as possible!
Paying attention to the road will help you maintain a clean driving record
, which helps keep your insurance costs low and even makes you eligible for car insurance discounts
. How to save money on car insurance in Kansas
If you’re already paying too much for car insurance, a texting and driving ticket is the last thing you need. You can avoid this charge by concentrating on the road and practicing safe driving. But to save money on car insurance overall, give the Jerry
app a try. Jerry is a trustworthy licensed broker app
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brought my insurance deductible down from $2.5k to $1k without me having to switch companies. I even had a ticket on my record. If it can help me, Jerry will definitely help you save money.” —Maxwell N.
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