Kansas Department of Transportation
With highway construction continuing and the beginning of the school year fast approaching, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas State Department of Education are reminding drivers of a new law aimed at reducing distracted driving in construction and school zones.
Senate Bill 366 prohibits handheld mobile device use in active construction and school zones across the state.
Governor Laura Kelly signed the bill this spring, which then became law on July 1.
Devices are still allowed to be used in hands-free mode.
Law enforcement officers are issuing warning citations until June 30, 2027. Beginning July 1, 2027, violations may result in traffic citations with a $60 fine plus court costs.
“Removing the distraction of handheld devices in construction and school zones is an effort to improve safety in locations where vehicles and pedestrians or construction workers can be in close contact with one another,” said Gary Herman, KDOT Behavioral Safety Section Manager. “The safety of people in these zones must be a top priority.”
An active construction zone means workers are present, and signs are posted at the beginning and end of the work zone to alert drivers. Active school zones are defined as areas where reduced speed limits are in effect. Devices are still allowed to be used in hands-free mode.
“People are walking and working in these areas just a few feet from passing vehicles,” said Keith Dreiling, KSDE State Director of the School Transportation Safety Unit. “We urge drivers to use extra caution and remain aware of their surroundings when traveling through school and construction zones.”