Kansas Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are offenses committed while operating a motor vehicle. In Kansas, they range from civil infractions to misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the conduct and severity of the case. It is important to understand how violations are defined, punished, and recorded matters for legal compliance, financial planning (insurance and fees), and civic responsibility. Hence, every individual or driver should know where to look up tickets or case records.

What is Considered a Traffic Violation in Kansas?

A traffic violation under Chapter 8 Article 15 of the Kansas Statutes is an infringement on the state’s traffic code. Minor violations may include speeding, failure to obey traffic-control signals, or failing to yield. More serious conduct, such as reckless driving and driving under the influence (DUI), is criminal and carries jail time.

Types of Traffic Violations in Kansas

In Kansas, violations may be moving or non-moving types. A moving violation occurs when a driver violates the state traffic laws while their vehicle is in motion. These types of violations are considered serious as they often lead to accidents, injuries, or death. A non-moving violation focuses on the non-compliance of the driver with the vehicle rules and regulations. It may occur while the vehicle is in motion or stationary.

There are many kinds of traffic violations in Kansas, including:

• Speeding. When drivers exceed posted limits, it leads to traffic violations. They may pay fines for this offense, with additional penalties, as set in the statewide fine schedule.
• Running a red light or stop sign. This occurs when drivers fail to obey signals and stop at red lights and stop signs.
• Driving without a license or violating license restrictions. It is an offense for drivers to operate a vehicle without a valid license. Violations of these crimes may lead to misdemeanor charges with penalties.
• Driving without insurance. Kansas requires proof of financial security; failure to display insurance on demand triggers a citation, and noncompliance may lead to suspension of the driving license.
• Reckless driving. First-time offenders may be sent to a maximum of 90 days in jail with payment of fines ranging from $25 to $500. Drivers with second or subsequent convictions may attract more jail time (10 days–6 months) and higher fines.
• Hit and run (leaving the scene). By law, drivers have some duties after injury crashes and exchange-of-information/aid obligations. Failure to do so may attract criminal penalties and licensing consequences.
• Failure to yield. In this scenario, the drivers fail to obey stop/yield rules and many right-of-way duties.
• Distracted driving. Kansas bans texting for all drivers.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Kansas

Kansas does not operate a traditional “point system". Instead, sanctions flow from the type of violation, the number of recent convictions, and special rules such as administrative restrictions for unresolved citations. An outline of traffic violation penalties in the state is listed below:

Fines

• Speeding: Payment of $45 to $195 fine, depending on how much over the limit, with higher fines in school or construction zones.
• DUI: Fines up to $1,000 for a first offense, which may later increase to $2,500 for a second offense.
• Driving on a suspended license: Pay up to $1,000 for a first offense, $2,500 for subsequent offenses.
• Distracted driving (texting): Pay a fine of $60 or up to $500 for underage violations.

License Suspension

• Three moving violations in 12 months may attract a 30-day suspension or longer.
• DUI: At least 30 days for a first offense, one year for second and subsequent offenses.
• Underage DUI (with BAC .02 – .08) attracts a 30-day suspension.
• Refusing a breathalyzer will lead to a one to three-year suspension, regardless of court outcome.
• Driving on a suspended license attracts an additional 90-day suspension upon conviction.

Traffic School

• DUI offenders may be required to attend alcohol education or treatment programs.
• Courts may offer diversion programs or traffic safety courses to reduce penalties, especially for first-time offenders.
• Completion of the program at the traffic school may help avoid license suspension or reduce fines.

Jail Time for Serious Offenses

• DUI:
  • First offense: Up to 6 months (minimum 48 hours)
  • Second offense: Up to 1 year (minimum 5 days).
  • Third/fourth offense: Felony charges, at least 90 days in jail, with possible jail time in a state prison.
• Driving on a suspended license:
  • First offense: Up to 6 months in jail.
  • Subsequent offenses: Up to 1 year in jail, with a minimum 5-day sentence.
  • Aggravated cases: 90-day minimum sentence and $1,500 fine.

Insurance

• It may result in higher insurance premiums for drivers convicted of traffic violations.

How To Search for Traffic Violation Records in Kansas

In Kansas, record seekers may obtain copies of traffic-violation records, through traffic tickets or violation history, from any of the parties below:

Court case records. Users may search for violation history via courthouse terminals at the district courts or online lookup through the eCourt Public Portal. They may search case registers of actions, see upcoming hearings, and, in many instances, pay standard fines through the statewide payment center. Some courts host their records on the eCourt Public portal. Individuals may also inquire about court records at the courthouses.

Driver status and MVR. Users may check the Kansas Driver’s License status check (valid/suspended/restricted) to view violation history. Kansas offers an online subscriber service where individuals may find an official Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) showing convictions and withdrawals. Users may also submit a Request for Access to Vehicle Records Form to the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) with the appropriate fees. They may also obtain MVRs via approved third-party channels linked by the state.

What you will see. Court portals typically display case number, party name, charge, statute cited, events, and dispositions. The register is not an “official record,” and some information is redacted for privacy. MVRs list withdrawal/sanction codes (e.g., DUI test failure, CDL disqualifications), conviction dates, and certain accident notations.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Kansas?

In Kansas, convictions of traffic violations are permanent on an individual’s MVR. It may lead to an increase in insurance premiums for the next three to seven years. Minor offenses, like speeding, may be expunged after three years. Major offenses like DUI will remain on the records for at least five years before they may be expunged. Expunging a record may prevent its disclosures to the public, but it does not remove it from every administrative database.

Kansas treats traffic violations through a mix of fixed fines, court-imposed criminal penalties, and meaningful administrative controls (restrictions, suspensions, SR-22). Record seekers may utilize the eCourt portal and KDOR tools to monitor cases and license status. They may contact the court clerk’s office for official copies or certified records.