{"data":{"id":"us-ky/krs-189.292","jurisdiction":"us-ky","citation":"KRS 189.292","heading":"Use of personal communication device prohibited while operating motor","body":"vehicle in motion on traveled portion of roadway -- Exclusions --\nAdministrative regulations.\n(1) As used in this section, \"personal communication device\" means a device capable of\ntwo (2) way audio or text communication that emits an audible signal, vibrates,\ndisplays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers communication to the\npossessor, including but not limited to a paging device and a cellular telephone.\n(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, no person shall, while operating\na motor vehicle that is in motion on the traveled portion of a roadway, write, send,\nor read text -based communication using a personal communication device to\nmanually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including\nbut not limited to communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or\nelectronic mail.\n(3) Subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to:\n(a) The use of a global positioning system fea ture of a personal communication\ndevice;\n(b) The use of a global positioning or navigation system that is physically or\nelectronically integrated into the motor vehicle;\n(c) The reading, selecting, or entering of a telephone number or name in a\npersonal communication device for the purpose of making a phone call;\n(d) An operator of an emergency or public safety vehicle, when the use of a\npersonal communication device is an essential function of the operator's\nofficial duties; or\n(e) The operator of a motor vehicle who writes a text message on a personal\ncommunication device to:\n1. Report illegal activity;\n2. Summon medical help;\n3. Summon a law enforcement or public safety agency; or\n4. Prevent injury to a person or property.\n(4) The secretary of the Transportation Cabinet may promulgate administrative\nregulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this\nsection, including but not limited to updates or advances in the automotive and\ninformation technology industries.","path":["KRS Chapter 189"],"source_url":"https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=39750","current_through":"Includes enactments through the 2026 Regular Session","vintage":"09/05/2026","retrieved_at":"2026-09-05T20:51:42Z","sha256":"7b9df7b28863edc41c358c07ae54e8c7f63c542f0d41bda08ce2c3ca0574b4d5","source_id":"us-ky","stale":false,"prev":"us-ky/krs-189.290","next":"us-ky/krs-189.294"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}