Using a mobile phone while driving in Kentucky (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Kentucky bans writing, sending or reading text-based messages on a personal communication device while driving. Voice calls are not restricted. The fine is USD 25 for a first offence and the offence carries 3 penalty points.
| 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 | $25.00 per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 3 points [3] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers while the vehicle is moving on the travelled roadway: you may not manually write, send or read texts, instant messages or e-mails. Dialling or selecting a name to make a call and GPS use are allowed. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 with an instruction permit, intermediate licence or operator's licence may not use a phone or other personal communication device at all while moving, except to summon help in an emergency. [4] |
Notes
- The statute bans writing, sending or reading text-based communication on a personal communication device while the vehicle is in motion on the traveled portion of a roadway. Holding a phone for a voice call is not addressed. Rules for younger drivers under KRS 189.294 were not checked.
- The statute does not restrict voice calls, whether hands-free or hand-held.
- USD 50 applies for each subsequent offence.
- The regulation lists 'Texting while driving' at three penalty points.
Sources
- Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission): 189.292 Use of personal communication device prohibited while operating motor vehicle in motion on traveled portion of roadway -- Exclusions -- Administrative regulations (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission): 189.990 Penalties (effective July 15, 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission): 601 KAR 13:025. Point system (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Kentucky General Assembly: KRS 189.294: Use of personal communication device by minor prohibited (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Kentucky 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | No (texting banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 25 | 3 points |
| Illinois | Banned | Allowed (hands-free or one-button) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Indiana | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Ohio | Banned (calls at the ear allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | 2 points |
| Tennessee | Banned | Allowed | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Virginia | Banned | Allowed | USD 125 | 3 demerit points |
| West Virginia | Banned | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None (3 on third) |
More rules in Kentucky
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Class B misdemeanour, max 45 days · Growing at home: No (licensed cultivators only)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (registered sellers) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary pocket knife: not a deadly weapon · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; "ordinary pocket knife" test
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981)
- 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 (purchase and possession) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (purchase and possession)
- 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.