Kansas Traffic Violation Records

In Kansas, records of traffic infractions and other traffic-related violations are maintained by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), Division of Vehicles, as well as the state's municipal and district courts. These records include citations for speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, DUI, and other violations of state or local traffic laws.

Speeding is one of the most frequently issued citations in Kansas. About 11.76% of Kansas drivers have a prior speeding ticket on record, slightly above the national average of 10.54%.

Motorists who violate traffic regulations in Kansas may have points added to their driving records. If a driver accumulates too many points or commits serious offenses, the Division of Vehicles may suspend or revoke their license.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Kansas?

The Kansas Department of Revenue complies with the state's policy that public records be made accessible for inspection and copying unless restricted by Kansas law. Hence, following the Kansas Open Records Act, most traffic violation records maintained in the state are classified as public records. However, the Driver Privacy Protection Act ensures that personal information contained in traffic violation records is not made publicly available.

Also, since court records are also open to the public under the Kansas Open Records Act, records of traffic crimes maintained by the municipal and district courts may be accessed by the public.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Kansas?

You may look up Kansas ticket information via the Kansas Courts Central Payment Center website. To perform a search, you will need to provide the citation number or case number and the date of birth of the traffic violator.

Alternatively, you may conduct a search on the portal, or you may use the driver's license and name search option. If you choose the citation or case number option, you must provide the violator's driver's license number, state, and date of birth. If you opt for the name search option, you must provide the offender's first name, last name, and date of birth.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

You may pay traffic fines in Kansas via the following options:

• Online: You may pay traffic fines online using the Kansas Courts Central Payment Center.

• Mail: You may also pay traffic fines by mailing your payment to:

  Kansas Courts Central Payment Center

  P.O. Box 750200

  Topeka KS 66675-0200.

  Mailed payments must include the name of the party, case number, and county.

• In Person: If you cannot pay by mail or online, you may pay in person at the court handling the case.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may obtain your Kansas driving record online via the Kansas Motor Vehicle Records portal. However, only subscribers may use this portal to request motor vehicle records.

Alternatively, you may submit a completed Request for Access to Vehicle Records form to the Division of Vehicles, 300 SW 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66611, to obtain a motor vehicle record. It costs $15 to obtain a driving record and $20 to obtain a certified motor vehicle record.

Kansas motor vehicle records contain up to five years of driving history for most violations and license-related actions. These records typically include license status and history, convictions and traffic violations, administrative actions, and accidents, if reported.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Kansas?

A moving violation is a contravention of a Kansas traffic law occurring when a vehicle is in motion. On the other hand, a non-moving violation is a traffic offense occurring when a vehicle is not in motion or when the violation is related to the vehicle's condition, documentation, or parking. Moving violations are considered more serious because they typically involve unsafe driving behavior that can increase the risk of accidents.

Examples of moving violations include:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Tailgating
• Failure to yield

For non-moving violations, examples include:

• Parking in a no-parking zone
• Expired registration or license plates
• Equipment violations
• Illegal window tint
• Failure to display a license plate

The penalties for moving violations include fines, driver's license points, increased insurance rates, and potential jail time and license suspension, or revocation. While non-moving violations are also punished with fines, the amount is typically lower than that for moving violations. Also, driver license points or impact on insurance are typically not applied for non-moving violations. However, non-moving violations may result in towing or vehicle impoundment for repeat or severe violations, while proof of corrections will be required in some cases.

How Long Does DWI Stay on Your Record in Kansas?

A DUI conviction stays on your driving record permanently unless it is expunged. However, a first-time DUI may be expunged after five years, while a second or subsequent DUI may be expunged after 10 years. Kansas records about 370 DUI arrests and 5.3 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

Kansas enforces strict penalties for DUI offenses, such as:

• First Offense (Class B Misdemeanor)
• Jail Time: Minimum of 48 consecutive hours up to 6 months.
• Fines: Between $750 and $1,000.
• License Suspension: 30 days, followed by a 6-month ignition interlock device requirement.
• Additional Requirements: Alcohol evaluation and possible community service.
• Second Offense (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Jail Time: Minimum of 90 days up to 1 year.
• Fines: Between $1,250 and $1,750.
• License Suspension: 1 year, followed by a 1-year ignition interlock device requirement.
• Additional Requirements: Mandatory alcohol treatment program and probation.
• Third Offense (Classification: If the third offense occurs within 10 years of the previous offenses, it is classified as a felony.)
• Jail Time: Minimum of 90 days up to 1 year.
• Fines: Between $1,750 and $2,500.
• License Suspension: 1 year, followed by a 2-year ignition interlock device requirement.
• Additional Requirements: Mandatory alcohol treatment program and probation.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Kansas?

Per Kan. Stat. Ann. § 8-1558, the state set speed limits that may not be exceeded by motorists, such as:

• 30 mph: Urban districts
• 55 mph: County or township highway
• 75 mph: Separated multilane highway
• 65 mph: All other highways

The fines for a speeding ticket in Kansas may vary widely based on how fast you were going and where the violation occurred. Fines generally range from $45 to $500, with higher penalties applied for more serious infractions. In addition to the base fine, most speeding tickets include court costs, administrative fees, and local surcharges, which may add $25 or more to the total amount. The exact amount of the fines for a speeding ticket depends on the court handling the case and the county where the violation took place.

Speeding in school zones or construction zones carries enhanced penalties due to the heightened danger in those areas. Fines in these zones are typically doubled. Drivers with repeated speeding violations may face escalating consequences, such as higher fines, license suspension, and increased auto insurance premiums. Courts may also impose mandatory traffic school or probation for habitual offenders.

In addition to fines, demerit points are added to driving records for speed limit violators. These points include the following:

• 1-10 mph over the limit: 2 points
• 11-20 mph over the limit: 3 points
• 21-30 mph over the limit: 4 points
• 31+ mph over the limit: 5 points

Accumulating too many points may lead to increased insurance premiums, license suspension, and a potential requirement to complete a driver improvement program.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Kansas?

A speeding ticket stays on your Kansas driving record for three years.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

Common defenses you may use in a Kansas court when defending yourself against a traffic ticket include the following:

• Challenge the Officer's Observations: Many traffic violations in Kansas, such as improper lane changes or failure to yield, rely on subjective judgment by the officer. You may argue that the officer misinterpreted the situation or failed to consider road conditions, visibility, or other external factors.
• Question Speed Measurement Accuracy: If your ticket was based on radar or laser speed detection, you may request records showing that the device was properly maintained and calibrated according to Kansas law. If the equipment was malfunctioning or improperly used, the reading may be unreliable and inadmissible in court.
• Argue Necessity or Emergency: Under Kansas law, a necessity defense may apply if you can prove that you violated the traffic law to avoid greater harm, such as driving over the speed limit to escape a road hazard or transport someone in medical distress.
• Dispute the Evidence on the Citation: Carefully examine your ticket for factual errors. Mistakes in vehicle information, date, time, or location may be used to weaken the prosecution's case and may lead to dismissal if the errors are material to the violation.
• Present Witnesses: If there were passengers, pedestrians, or other witnesses who can support your version of events, their testimony may be used to challenge the officer's account.

Note that it is recommended that you hire a Kansas traffic attorney to represent you in court if your violation may result in serious consequences such as jail time and license suspension.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Kansas is a participating member of the Driver License Compact (DLC), an agreement that allows many states in the United States to share information regarding traffic violations and driver convictions. This means that if you receive a traffic ticket in another DLC member state, Kansas will be notified, potentially affecting your license status and insurance rates.

Kansas is also a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC). Under this agreement, if you receive a ticket in another NRVC state and fail to respond or pay, the issuing state can report the violation to the Kansas Division of Vehicles. Kansas may then suspend your driving privileges until the matter is resolved.

If you have been cited for a traffic violation outside Kansas, you may take the following steps to contest the ticket:

• Contact the Court Listed on the Ticket: Notify the court in the issuing state of your intent to contest the ticket. Ask whether a virtual appearance is allowed or if you will need to appear in person.
• Gather Supporting Evidence: Get relevant materials that may help your case, such as photos of the scene, dashcam footage, weather reports, or witness statements. If your citation is related to a speed limit violation, you may also request maintenance and calibration logs for radar or LIDAR equipment.
• Consider Hiring an Attorney in That State: An attorney familiar with the laws and procedures in the issuing state may appear on your behalf, which may save you time and travel expenses. The attorney may also evaluate your case and advise on the best legal strategy.
• Request a Hearing Date: Schedule a hearing with the traffic court and confirm the timeline for submitting any required documentation.
• Present Your Case: During the hearing, use your evidence to challenge the violation. Common defenses include disputing the accuracy of the officer's observations or pointing to procedural errors or circumstances that justify your actions.

How Do Kansas Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Kansas traffic laws are generally consistent with national standards, but some differences and specific regulations set them apart from other states, such as:

• Kansas has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21: any blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher leads to license suspension.
• Kansas requires turn signals to be used 100 feet before a turn.
• It is illegal in Kansas to leave a running vehicle unattended without stopping the engine, locking the ignition, and removing the key.
• Kansas allows certain farm-use vehicles to operate without full registration if they remain within 25 miles of the farm.
• In Kansas, passing on a two-lane road is allowed only when the broken yellow line is on your side and it is safe to do so. However, you cannot pass within 100 feet of intersections, bridges, or tunnels.