What causes a license suspension in Kansas
Kansas suspends your driver's license for specific violations and failures, not as a punishment but as a way to keep unlicensed drivers off the road. The most common reason is driving with a suspended or revoked license — if you're caught, your license gets suspended again, often for longer. Other frequent causes include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, and accumulating too many points on your driving record.
The Kansas Department of Revenue handles all suspensions. Once your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate crime that carries its own penalties, including jail time, fines, and another suspension added on top of the original one.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas suspends licenses for unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating points, DUI convictions, and driving with a suspended license.
- You will receive written notice from the Kansas Department of Revenue before most suspensions take effect, giving you time to resolve the issue.
- Driving on a suspended license in Kansas is a crime that results in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
- You can request a hearing to contest a suspension if you believe it was issued in error or if you have a hardship that requires driving.
Unpaid traffic fines and court costs
If you do not pay a traffic fine or court costs within the important date set by the court, Kansas will suspend your license. This applies whether the ticket was for speeding, a stop sign violation, or any other traffic offense. The court sends notice to the Kansas Department of Revenue, which then suspends your driving privileges.
The suspension stays in place until you pay the full amount owed, including any collection fees that have been added. If you cannot pay in full, contact the court that issued the ticket — many courts allow payment plans. Once you pay, the court notifies the Department of Revenue, and your license is reinstated, though you may need to pay a reinstatement fee.
Failure to appear in court
If you receive a traffic ticket and do not show up for your court date, Kansas automatically suspends your license. This happens whether you forgot the date, did not receive notice, or chose not to appear. The suspension is when ready and stays in effect until you resolve the underlying case.
To lift this suspension, you must appear in court or contact the court to reschedule. Explain your absence to the judge — some courts will reinstate your license on the spot if you show up and address the original ticket. If you cannot appear in person, call the court clerk to ask whether you can handle the matter by phone or mail.
Accumulating too many points on your driving record
Kansas uses a point system: each traffic violation adds points to your record. Speeding adds 3 to 5 points depending on how far over the limit you were. Reckless driving adds 8 points. A single accident where you are at fault adds 4 points. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license is suspended for 30 days.
Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. If you get another suspension within three years of the first one, the second suspension lasts 60 days. A third suspension within three years lasts 12 months. You can reduce points by taking a defensive driving course, which removes up to 4 points, but you can only do this once every 12 months.
DUI and alcohol-related convictions
A DUI (driving under the influence) conviction in Kansas results in an automatic license suspension. A first DUI suspension lasts one year. If you refuse a breath or blood test, your license is suspended for one year on that refusal alone, separate from any DUI conviction that may follow.
A second DUI within 10 years results in a five-year suspension. A third DUI within 10 years results in a 10-year suspension. You may be able to drive with an ignition interlock device — a machine that tests your breath before the car will start — but only after meeting certain conditions and paying for installation and monthly monitoring.
Driving with a suspended or revoked license
If you are caught driving while your license is already suspended, Kansas will suspend your license again. The new suspension is typically longer than the original one. For example, if your license was suspended for 30 days and you drive during that suspension, you may face a new 60-day suspension on top of the remaining time from the first suspension.
Driving on a suspended license is a misdemeanor crime in Kansas. A first offense can result in up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $100 to $500, and the new suspension. A second offense within five years can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $250 to $1,000. A third offense can result in up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $500 to $2,500.
How you find out about a suspension
The Kansas Department of Revenue sends written notice to your address on file before most suspensions take effect. The notice explains the reason for the suspension, the effective date, and how long it will last. Read this notice carefully — it also tells you how to request a hearing if you believe the suspension is wrong.
If you do not receive notice, you may still be suspended. Check your license status online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call them directly at 785-296-3671. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, it is safer to assume it is and not drive until you confirm with the department.
Requesting a hearing to contest a suspension
You have the right to request a hearing before the Kansas Department of Revenue if you believe your suspension was issued in error or if you have circumstances that warrant a hardship exception. The notice of suspension will include instructions on how to request a hearing and the important date — typically 10 days from the date of the notice.
At the hearing, you can present evidence and explain your situation to a hearing officer. If the suspension was for unpaid fines, you might show proof of payment. If it was for failure to appear, you might explain why you missed court and ask for the case to be rescheduled. A hardship hearing is different — you would need to show that you have no other way to get to work, medical appointments, or other essential activities, and that you have a safe driving record otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended in Kansas?
Kansas does not issue hardship licenses, but you may request a hardship hearing to ask the Department of Revenue for permission to drive for essential purposes like work or medical treatment. You must show that you have no other transportation and that you are a safe driver. Approval is not may provide and depends on the reason for your suspension.
How long does a suspension last in Kansas?
Suspension length depends on the reason. Unpaid fines suspensions last until you pay. Point-based suspensions last 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second within three years, and 12 months for a third. DUI suspensions last one year for a first offense, five years for a second within 10 years, and 10 years for a third.
What happens if I drive on a suspended license?
Driving on a suspended license is a misdemeanor crime in Kansas. You face jail time (up to 30 days for a first offense), fines ($100 to $500), and an additional suspension. A second offense within five years can result in up to 90 days in jail and a $250 to $1,000 fine.
How do I get my license back after a suspension ends?
Once your suspension period ends, you do not automatically get your license back. You must contact the Kansas Department of Revenue and pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $100 to $150. After you pay, the department will mail you a new license or allow you to pick one up at a local office.
Can I check my suspension status online?
Yes. Visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and use their license status check tool, or call 785-296-3671. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The department can tell you whether your license is currently suspended and why.