The new law adopted by the 2010 Kansas Legislature that made texting while driving illegal went into effect July 1, but until January 1, law enforcement officers are allowed only to issue warnings. After Jan. 1, the offense will carry a $60 fine.

The new law specifically prohibits drivers from using a wireless device to write, send or read a written communication while driving on a public road.

The law is still confusing to some as dialing a cell phone isn’t illegal. The law provides a specific exemption for reading, selecting or entering a number or name to place a phone call.

According to a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute a driver who is texting is 23 times more likely to be in an accident than a driver who is fully engaged in driving. The same study showed that a driver dialing a cell phone is 2.8 times more likely to be in an accident.

Information via Topeka Capital Journal