Mobile Device Use in Manhattan

What You Need to Know

The City of Manhattan prohibits drivers from listening or talking on certain wireless communication devices, including mobile phones, while operating a motor vehicle on a public road or highway. That prohibition does not apply when the driver is using hands-free listening and talking. This city-wide ordinance is in addition to the Kansas law that prohibits texting while driving.

Kansas law prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle on a public road or highway while using a wireless communication device, including mobile phones, text messaging devices, and laptops, to write, send or read a written communication This prohibition does not apply to any device that is voice-operated and that allows the user to send or receive a text-based communication without the use of either hand, except to activate or deactivate a feature or function.

Kansas law include the following exemptions from these prohibitions:

  • Law enforcement and emergency personnel acting within the scope their employment
  • A vehicle stopped off the regular traveled portion of the roadway
  • Reading, selecting or entering a phone number for the purpose of making or receiving a call
  • Receiving emergency, traffic or weather alert messages
  • Receiving a message related to the operation or navigation of the vehicle
  • Reporting current or ongoing illegal activity to law enforcement
  • Preventing imminent injury to a person or property
  • Relaying information between transit or for-hire operator and the operator’s dispatcher if the device is permanently affixed to the motor vehicle