Pike County Fiscal Court adopts policy banning texting while driving in county vehicles

Pike County Fiscal Court adopted an amendment to its administrative code to make texting while driving in county‑owned vehicles an explicit violation, the court said.

At a special session, Roy read the second reading of the amendment “to amend sections 4 84 and 4 86… any employee who texts while driving a county owned vehicle,” and Judge Jones said the change “clarifies” the rule and aligns with existing CDL prohibitions. Judge Jones said the update responds to recent incidents and is intended to protect taxpayers and improve safety.

Commissioner Atkins moved to adopt the amendment; Commissioner Absher seconded. A roll-call vote recorded each member voting in favor and the motion passed.

The court provided no amendment text beyond the reading during the meeting. Court members discussed the amendment briefly and framed it as a clarification of existing restrictions for commercial drivers rather than a new criminal penalty. The judge noted the county has faced staffing and budget pressures and framed the change as a safety and liability reduction measure.

The ordinance language was presented during the meeting; county staff confirmed the public hearing and required readings had been completed for this item. The court did not amend the presented text during the session. The next procedural step is administrative implementation by county staff, including any updates to employee handbooks or disciplinary procedures.

A roll call approving the amendment is recorded in the meeting transcript; no votes against or abstentions were recorded.