Kansas lawmakers revisit plan to issue $60 fine for cellphone use in school and work zones
Travis Lowe testifies on behalf of AAA Kansas during a Jan. 27, 2026, hearing on legislation to ban the use of cellphones in school and work zones. AAA Kansas requested the introduction of the bill. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video)
TOPEKA — More than a decade after a texting-and-driving accident in a construction zone left her hospitalized for a month, Lawrence resident Nicole Allensworth regularly appears at the Statehouse to advocate for stricter distracted driving penalties — including a proposed Senate bill that would fine drivers $60 for using cellphones in school or construction zones.
“I could have easily killed someone,” Allensworth said. “This is only a step to where we need to be regarding distracted driving, but it is a huge step.”
Supporters of Senate Bill 324 testified Tuesday to the Senate Transportation Committee. There was no opposition or neutral testimony.
The bill would prohibit drivers from using cellphones while driving through a school zone when the reduced speed is enforced and in construction zones when the workers are present.
For about the first year, guilty drivers would receive a warning citation. But after July 1, 2027, they would get a $60 fine.
A driver holding a cellphone would be sufficient evidence for law enforcement. Travis Lowe with AAA Kansas — the group that requested introduction of the bill — lifted his hand to his ear in a mock phone call as an example.
“We’re not talking about using your phone in speakerphone mode while it’s sitting in the console. We’re not talking about using your phone in hands-free Bluetooth mode. We’re talking about handheld usage,” Lowe said.
Texting while driving is entirely banned in Kansas.
The restriction would not apply to on-duty law enforcement. For other drivers, the bill allows some exceptions — like if a vehicle is safely parked or if a phone is used to call for police or medical assistance.
Joel Skelley, director of policy for the Kansas Department of Transportation, showed data that distracted driving played a role in about one-fourth of all crashes in 2024. While cellphone use isn’t the only form of distraction — drivers can also take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving — proponents argued cellphones are the main culprit.
“That’s an astounding number. And while this bill doesn’t specifically target all of those distractions, it does protect some of those who are extremely vulnerable and exposed out on the roadways as traffic is going by,” said Kansas Highway Patrol Capt. Matt Payne.
There has been a recent rise in construction zone crashes on Kansas highways. Kansas also has the third-highest rate of fatalities due to distracted driving.
Coupled with the one-fourth statistic Skelley presented, proponents said the bill is overdue. They said that in past years, too.
“Third time’s the charm on this one,” said committee chair Sen. Mike Petersen, a Republican from Wichita, as proponents approached the stand.
Similar bills have appeared in previous sessions. House Bill 2499 from 2024 only applied the restriction to under-18 drivers. Drivers under the age of 17 are banned from using cellphones regardless. It passed the house, but didn’t advance in the Senate.
A bill in the 2021 session made it through a Senate committee but didn’t get a vote by the full Senate. The 2022 version died, too.
“We had issues getting it across the floor,” Petersen said. “I believe it’s feasible that we will make it across the finish line and be signed by the governor.”