Ban On Texting While Driving Starts Today In Kansas

Topkea, KS – Starting today, texting while driving is illegal in Kansas.

There will be a 6 month warning period before officers start issuing $60 fines.

Captain Art Wilburn with the Kansas Highway Patrol says the law will help improve safety on Kansas roads.

"Folks who are out there texting and driving, their attention is distracted from the roadway and their driving," says Wilburn. "It's not uncommon to see those people involved in accidents where they would run off the road or run into the back of another car."

Exceptions to the law include receiving weather, traffic or emergency alerts. Drivers can also report crimes by text without violating the law.

Captain Wilburn says he himself texts. He recommends drivers do what he does, and stop in a safe place before reading or sending a text message or email.