TOP KANSAS TRAFFIC CHARGES & PENALTIES

There are a number of traffic offenses that are charged as crimes, in Johnson County and across Kansas. Here, unlike some other states, there are stiff penalties traffic crimes. The top charges and the consequences are:

• Driving on a suspended license - (same level offense as DUI) Class B misdemeanor, 6 months jail, maximum fine of $1,000, and 90 license suspension. All of these, including the first time, offenses carry a mandatory 5 day minimum jail sentence. 
• Reckless driving - First offense carries a minimum of 5 days and a maximum of 90 days of jail, or fines not less than $25 nor more than $500, or both imprisonment and fine.
• Driving without insurance - A first-time conviction for driving without a license in Kansas is a Class B misdemeanor, with six months of jail and a maximum fine of $1,000, and a 90-day license suspension; 
• Speeding - (depending on your speed) up to six months in jail and up to $1,500 dollars in court fines and fees.

Kansas Traffic Offenses & Your Commercial Drivers’ License 
Kansas does not treat traffic offense involving a commercial vehicle different from one involving a personal vehicle. That means you cannot have your traffic ticket amended or diverted where a criminal traffic offense occurs. Depending on your charges, you may have an automatic suspension of your CDL license and face jail time.

Didn't Know Your License Was Suspended
Your license may have been suspended and didn't even know it. This can happen because you:

• have had too many point violations (ex. traffic tickets),
• failed to pay child support,
• failing to pay fines,
• DUI/DWI offenses
• accused of stealing gas
• missing court dates or Administrative License Hearings

The law only requires that notice of suspension be sent to your last known address. Whether or not you know your license was suspended you can be punished just the same.
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Habitual Traffic Offender Penalties 
Kansas has a Habitual Offender Act, where when you reach the third offenses (of any combination of driving w/suspended license, reckless driving, driving w/o insurance or DUI), in a five year period, your license will be automatically revoked for three years. Should you continue to drive while your license is revoked you will be facing at least the mandatory 90 days of jail time (per additional offense), increased fines and the three year revocation status will restart. 

Kansas Hardship License
Under the law, anyone who is suspended for 1 year is presumed eligible to apply for a restricted license. Approval is not a guaranteed right. This limited restricted license gives suspended drivers partial restoration of driving privileges for the purposes of getting to and from work, school or alcohol treatment programs.  To get this license you must apply by:

1. Visit your local Kansas DMV office;
2. Submit any required suspension documents;
3. File an SR22 or proof of insurance;
4. Retake the driving skills and knowledge tests, if necessary; and
5. Pay a reinstatement fee. 

The potential jail time, loss of license, fines and fees are enough to cause stress. The increase in insurance dues, loss of income, and long-term consequences are great. Many believe these are just minor charges but, that couldn't be further from the truth. You need an experience Kansas lawyer to help you handle your traffic case. Call now 913.602.7288. Payments and major credit cards are excepted.