Using a mobile phone while driving in Kansas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Kansas bans manually writing, sending or reading a written communication on a wireless device while driving on a public road or highway; voice calls are not covered. The uniform fine schedule amount is USD 60.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $60.00 per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers: you may not manually type, send or read a text message, instant message or e-mail while driving on a public road. Voice-operated texting is allowed, as is dialling or selecting a name to make a call; the ban does not apply when stopped off the travelled roadway. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Holders of an instruction permit or a restricted (graduated) driver's licence may not use a wireless communication device while driving, except to report illegal activity or call for medical or other emergency help. [3] |
Notes
- Exceptions include a stopped vehicle off the travelled portion of the road, reading or entering a phone number or name to make or receive a call, emergency, traffic or weather alerts, and navigation messages. The section is part of the uniform act regulating traffic on highways.
- The ban covers manually typing, sending or reading a written communication. A device that is voice-operated and lets the user send or receive text without either hand (other than to activate a function) is outside the definition, and voice calls are not covered.
- The uniform fine schedule lists USD 60 for unlawful text messaging (K.S.A. 8-15,111). It is the amount payable on a plea of guilty or no contest or by written appearance; the schedule does not limit the fine imposed after a court appearance, and court costs are added.
- No official page read states points for this offence.
Sources
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes: K.S.A. 8-15,111 - Text messaging, prohibited; exceptions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes: K.S.A. 8-2118 Uniform fine schedule for traffic infraction violations (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes: K.S.A. 8-2,100: Instruction permits (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Kansas and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | Texting only | Allowed | USD 60 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Colorado | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 75 | 2 points |
| Missouri | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nebraska | No (texting/reading banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 200 | 3 points |
| Oklahoma | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School and construction zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None |
More rules in Kansas
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph; 55 mph on county roads
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed retail; bottle rockets banned)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only with intent to use unlawfully · Locking or one-handed knives: No switchblade or locking-knife rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour (state law)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, age 14+ · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, age 14+ (adults: secondary enforcement)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.