Kansas suspension lengths depend on what caused the suspension
Kansas does not have one suspension length that applies to everything. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines lasts a different amount of time than a suspension for a DUI conviction, which is different again from a suspension for accumulating too many points. The state's Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles handles suspensions, and the length you face depends on the specific violation, whether it is your first offense, and sometimes on your age.
The suspension clock starts on the date the Department of Revenue issues the suspension notice to you, not on the date you receive it. If you move and do not update your address with the state, you may not know your license is suspended until you are pulled over. That is why checking your driving record through the Kansas Department of Revenue website is the fastest way to find out whether you are currently suspended and for how long.
Key Takeaways
- DUI suspensions in Kansas last 30 days for a first offense, 1 year for a second, and 18 months for a third or more within 10 years.
- Reckless driving suspensions are typically 30 days for a first offense and 1 year for a second within 5 years.
- Accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record triggers a suspension that lasts until you complete a defensive driving course and pay a reinstatement fee.
- Unpaid traffic fines result in suspension until you pay the fine and the reinstatement fee to the court that issued the ticket.
- You can check your current suspension status and length on the Kansas Department of Revenue website without paying a fee.
DUI and refusal suspensions: 30 days to 18 months
A DUI conviction in Kansas triggers an automatic suspension through the Department of Revenue, separate from any criminal court penalty. A first DUI suspension lasts 30 days. If you refused a breath or blood test, the suspension is 1 year instead.
A second DUI within 10 years results in a 1-year suspension. A third or subsequent DUI within 10 years brings an 18-month suspension. These are the administrative suspensions imposed by the state; a criminal court may also impose additional license restrictions or suspensions on top of these.
If you are under 21 and convicted of DUI, the suspension is longer: 1 year for a first offense, 2 years for a second. The state treats underage DUI more severely because the legal drinking age is 21.
Reckless driving suspensions: 30 days or 1 year
Reckless driving is a criminal charge in Kansas, not just a traffic violation. A conviction for reckless driving results in a 30-day suspension for a first offense. A second reckless driving conviction within 5 years brings a 1-year suspension.
Reckless driving is distinct from speeding or careless driving. It requires proof that you drove with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. If you are charged with reckless driving, the court case and the suspension are separate processes — the court handles the criminal charge, and the Department of Revenue handles the suspension.
Point accumulation suspensions: until you complete a course
Kansas assigns points to your driving record for traffic violations. Speeding 1 to 10 miles over the limit is 1 point; speeding 11 to 15 miles over is 2 points; speeding 16 to 25 miles over is 4 points. At-fault accidents, unsafe lane changes, and following too closely also add points. When you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, the Department of Revenue suspends your license.
Unlike DUI or reckless driving suspensions, a point suspension does not have a fixed end date. Your suspension lasts until you complete an approved defensive driving course and pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue. The reinstatement fee is $100. Once you complete the course and pay the fee, your points are reduced and your license is reinstated.
If you accumulate 18 or more points within 24 months, or 24 or more points within 36 months, the suspension period is longer and may require additional steps. You should contact the Department of Revenue directly to understand what is required for your specific point total.
Unpaid traffic fines and court costs: suspension until payment
If you do not pay a traffic fine or court costs by the important date, the court reports you to the Department of Revenue. Your license is then suspended until you pay the full amount owed, including the fine, court costs, and a reinstatement fee. The reinstatement fee is $100.
The suspension takes effect about 30 days after the court reports you, though this varies by court. You can pay the fine and reinstatement fee to the court that issued the ticket. Once the court confirms payment, they notify the Department of Revenue, and your suspension is lifted — usually within a few business days.
Failure to appear in court: suspension until you resolve the case
If you miss a court date for a traffic ticket or criminal charge, the court issues a failure to appear charge and reports you to the Department of Revenue. Your license is suspended when ready. The suspension lasts until you appear in court, resolve the case, and pay any fines and court costs owed.
A failure to appear suspension can be lifted only by the court that issued it. You cannot pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue and have the suspension removed. You must contact the court, explain your absence, and ask to reschedule your appearance. Some courts allow you to appear by phone or video if you live far away.
Habitual traffic offender status: 1 to 3 years
Kansas designates you a habitual traffic offender if you accumulate three major violations within a 10-year period. Major violations include DUI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and certain other criminal traffic offenses. Once you are declared a habitual traffic offender, your license is suspended for 1 year.
If you are convicted of driving with a suspended license while you are a habitual traffic offender, the suspension extends to 3 years. A habitual traffic offender suspension can only be lifted by a judge; you cannot straightforward pay a fee or complete a course. You must petition the court in the county where you were declared a habitual traffic offender and ask the judge to reinstate your driving privileges.
Reinstatement fees and what happens after suspension ends
Most Kansas suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue before your license is restored. The standard reinstatement fee is $100. Some suspensions, like those for unpaid fines, require you to pay through the court instead.
After your suspension period ends and you have paid any required fees, the Department of Revenue mails you a new license or sends you a notice that you can drive again. You do not need to retake a driving test unless the Department of Revenue specifically requires it as part of your reinstatement. Check your suspension notice or call the Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 to confirm what you need to do to get your license back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
Kansas does not issue work permits that allow you to drive with a suspended license. A suspension is a suspension — you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work, until it is lifted. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional fines and jail time.
How do I check how long my suspension will last?
Visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and use the online driving record lookup tool, or call 785-296-3671. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The Department of Revenue will tell you the suspension reason, the start date, and the end date or what you need to do to lift it.
Does my suspension time count down if I do not have my license?
Yes. The suspension period runs from the date the Department of Revenue issued the suspension, regardless of whether you have your physical license card. Once the suspension period ends and you have paid any required fees, you can request a new license or confirmation that you can drive again.
What if I was suspended in another state — will Kansas recognize it?
Yes. Kansas is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement between states to share suspension and revocation information. If another state suspended your license, Kansas will honor that suspension and will not issue you a Kansas license until the suspension is lifted in the original state.
Can I get my suspension shortened or removed early?
For most suspensions, no. The only exception is a point-based suspension, which you can lift early by completing a defensive driving course and paying the reinstatement fee. For DUI, reckless driving, and other suspensions, you must wait out the full period unless a judge grants you a hardship license or early reinstatement — a rare outcome that requires a petition to the court.