Q. Is Manhattan implementing a new law that bans cellphone use while driving?
Yes and no. Manhattan has a new law that takes effect July 1 that bans cellphone use while driving and holding the cellphone. It allows hands-free use of cellphones, which means using a mobile phone headset (for example, a Bluetooth wireless headset or a wired headset), a car kit, or other phone extension that keeps the driver’s hands free.
According to the Manhattan Mercury’s June 17 article, violators will receive warnings until Jan. 1, 2011, when fines will start being given. KTKA.com 49 News reported June 22 that Manhattan City Commissioners made the change to be consistent with the state’s new text-messaging ban (see next question below).
For more about the new law, see the InsuranceJournal.com’s Feb. 8 article: Manhattan, Kansas, Lawmakers Vote to Ban Driving With Cell Phones.
Q. Does Kansas have a new law that bans text messaging while driving?
Yes. The law was signed by Gov. Mark Parkinson on May 24 and takes effect Jan. 1, 2011. It bans all text messaging — sending, receiving, and reading — by drivers in Kansas.
For more information
- DrivingLaws.org: Kansas Cell Phone and Texting Laws
- Handsfreeinfo.com: Kansas: Cell phone laws, legislation
- Wikipedia.com: Mobile phones and driving safety
