Measure Proposed to Stop Distracted Driving in Kentucky

No matter how many times we're told to put down our phones while driving, sometimes it's just hard to avoid if there's an important text or phone call coming through. Even Bluetooth technology, now in most newer cars can't deter us from keeping an eye on our devices. Kentucky representatives have decided to take the steps to finally buckle down on distracted driving.

Rep. James Tipton of Taylorsville with co-sponsor Rep. Steve Sheldon of Bowling Green have pre-filed BR 166 dubbed the "hands-free law" it would ban drivers from using mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers, and other personal communication devices. The only exception would be if there is an emergency.

Kentucky already has a ban on texting while driving, however, it's hard to enforce when phones are used for more now than just texting, such as video recording, checking emails, etc.

The bill would also ban anyone under 18 from using a device while driving. The penalties for the hands-free law would be a $100 fine for a first offense, each violation after will cost you $200. Offenders would have the option to attend state traffic school instead of paying the first-offense fine.

The fines for violating the state's original no texting while driving law were $25 for the first offense, $50 for each subsequent offense.

The hands-free law will be considered in the 2020 session.