As the new school year begins, Kansas drivers need to be aware of a new law that makes it unlawful to hold a cell phone while driving through school zones during posted, active hours. According to the organization, the handheld cell phone ban is in effect specifically during the hours before and after school, during posted school zone hours or when school zone lights are flashing. “Kids are particularly vulnerable around school zone traffic, especially with drivers distracted by their phones. The bill including this new school zone handheld phone ban was originally introduced by AAA Kansas. The new school zone handheld phone ban includes a 1-year grace period for law enforcement to focus on public education and warnings.