How to Fight a Distracted Driving Ticket in Kentucky
If you got a distracted driving ticket in Kentucky, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. First offense under KRS 189.292: $100.
How to fight a distracted driving ticket in Kentucky, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the distracted driving charge in Kentucky and review the evidence against you.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your distracted driving citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
First offense under KRS 189.292: $100.
Show up prepared
NOT CONFIRMED — the enforcement type (primary = can stop solely for this violation; secondary = can only cite if stopped for another reason) was not explicitly confirmed in our research for KRS 189.292. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
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Start my free court prep →Kentucky Distracted Driving ticket — frequently asked questions
What is Kentucky's distracted driving / hands-free law statute?
KRS 189.292 — 'Use of personal communication device prohibited.' This law prohibits holding or using a personal communication device (phone, tablet, etc.) while operating a motor vehicle. Enacted to address hand-held device use while driving.
What is the fine for a distracted driving violation in Kentucky?
First offense under KRS 189.292: $100. Subsequent offenses: $200 each. For a first offense, the driver may choose to attend a traffic safety course instead of paying the fine.
How many points does a distracted driving violation add in Kentucky?
Zero (0) points. Under KRS 189.292, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is explicitly prohibited from assessing points for a violation of this specific statute. A KRS 189.292 citation will NOT count toward the 12-point suspension threshold. Note: if a separate citation for texting while driving is issued (which may carry 3 points under 601 KAR 13:025 as a different category), that is different — verify which statute is on your citation.
What is prohibited under KRS 189.292 in Kentucky?
Prohibited: holding a device in the hand or with a body part while operating a motor vehicle; reaching for a device in a manner that requires moving out of the seated position; watching or recording video while driving. The device must be in a mount, on a dashboard, or in hands-free mode. Hands-free use (Bluetooth, earpiece, voice commands) is permitted.
Is distracted driving enforcement primary or secondary in Kentucky?
NOT CONFIRMED — the enforcement type (primary = can stop solely for this violation; secondary = can only cite if stopped for another reason) was not explicitly confirmed in our research for KRS 189.292. Verify with the court or Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Is the County Attorney Traffic Safety Program available for a distracted driving violation?
Since distracted driving (KRS 189.292) is not a DUI or driving-without-insurance offense (the two excluded categories), it should be eligible for the County Attorney Traffic Safety Program diversion. However, since KRS 189.292 already carries 0 points and a relatively low fine, the cost-benefit of going through a diversion program (vs. paying the $100 first-offense fine) depends on whether keeping the citation off your record affects your insurance rates. Check with your insurer and the county attorney's office.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.