Kentucky approves school bus driver cell phone ban
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Ernie Fletcher of Kentucky earlier this month signed an amendment to current law that bans school bus drivers from using c...
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Ernie Fletcher of Kentucky earlier this month signed an amendment to current law that bans school bus drivers from using cell phones while the bus is in motion and transporting one or more children.
An exception allows phone calls to the school transportation department when the bus is not equipped with a two-way radio. Drivers will also be allowed to use cell phones in the event of an emergency.
The first violation is punishable with a $50 fine, followed by a $100 fine plus a six month loss of the driver’s school bus license for the second violation.
The bill was drafted in response to a crash that left two students critically injured. The driver was allegedly under the influence of drugs and talking on her cell phone while driving.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report last November on a non-fatal motorcoach accident in which a driver drove his bus into a bridge while talking on a hands-free cell phone.
The NTSB concluded that the driver’s cell phone distraction caused the accident and recommended that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and state governments prohibit CDL holders from using cell phones while driving buses.
More Safety
When Every Second Matters, Clarity Keeps Routes Moving
From routine delays to urgent incidents, strong communication practices help drivers, dispatchers, schools, and families respond with confidence.
Read More →
What Happens When a School Bus Catches Fire — and What Can Help
School bus fires are rare but can be devastating. Learn how advances in fire suppression and asset protection help fleets detect fires earlier, reduce damage, and improve safety.
Read More →
Geotab Launches Tool to Help Fleets Investigate Road Incidents
Geotab Investigations combines telematics data, video, documents, and other evidence to help fleets reconstruct incidents, resolve claims, and determine what happened.
Read More →
Texas Sixth Grader Wins 2026 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest
Sai Darshana Yekolu of Moseley Middle School in Prosper, Texas, was named the newest winner for her artwork, bringing the theme of “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes” to life.
Read More →
Doing More With Less: How Transportation Directors Can Prioritize Safety Amid Budget Uncertainty
With diesel prices soaring and nearly one-third of transportation directors expecting budget cuts, maintaining student safety has never been more challenging. Download this guide to learn how leading districts are prioritizing risk, funding critical safety technology, and building stronger budget cases with data.
Read More →
Walton County Schools Adds Gatekeeper Stop-Arm Enforcement System
The Florida district will deploy Gatekeeper’s updated Student Protector technology, which now incorporates AI to improve video evidence.
Read More →
How To Build a More Secure School Bus Yard During and After Hours
As thefts and overnight security threats continue, school transportation leaders are combining stronger operational practices with AI-enabled surveillance to better protect buses, facilities, and staff.
Read More →
FMCSA Names New Chief Safety Officer: What School Bus Operators Should Know
Steve Dowling is set to lead the federal agency's efforts to advance commercial motor vehicle safety and reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries on the nation's roadways.
Read More →
New Study Finds School Zone Speed Safety Cameras Cut Speeding Violations 97%
A Florida university's research demonstrates that Verra Mobility's automated enforcement changes driver behavior and significantly improves school zone safety.
Read More →
What Changed in DOT’s New National Roadway Safety Strategy?
The federal agency's new plan shifts its focus to safer people, roads and vehicles, with a new three-pronged approach instead of five. One outlined action even addresses a key industry concern around illegal school bus passing.
Read More →