Driving on a Suspended License in Kansas

Criminal charges for operating a vehicle on a suspended or revoked license.

By , Attorney · University of San Francisco School of Law
Updated May 26, 2021

Like drivers across the United States, Kansans can lose their driving privileges for a variety of violations and other reasons. Alcohol offenses, too many tickets, and certain other convictions can result in license suspension or revocation. And, if you get caught driving while your license is suspended or revoked, you'll likely face criminal charges.

Reasons for Suspension or Revocation

You may face license suspension or revocation for traffic violations, including:

  • three or more moving violations within 12 months
  • a moving violation when your license was restricted, suspended, or revoked
  • frequent enough serious traffic violations that the state deems you a habitual violator
  • being convicted of driving under the influence, and
  • failing or refusing an alcohol test in violation of the state's implied consent laws.

Your driver's license may be revoked if you are convicted of certain crimes, including:

Depending on the circumstances, these suspensions and revocations can be mandatory or just a possible consequence.

Reinstating Your License

When your period of suspension or revocation has ended, you may need to pay fees, submit to an examination, or complete other requirements in order to regain your driving privileges.

If your license was suspended or revoked for certain alcohol offenses, including DUI, you may have to take an exam before your license is reinstated. You might also have to pay a $25 examination fee along with a reinstatement fee of between $100 and $1,000, depending on whether you have prior suspensions or revocations.

Criminal Charges for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is generally a misdemeanor in Kansas.

For a first offense, you'll generally be charged with a class B nonperson misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for this charge is six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

For a second or subsequent offense, you'll generally be charged with a class A nonperson misdemeanor. The maximum sentence for this type of charge is one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

As noted, the above sentences are maximum sentences. If convicted, your actual sentence may be determined by many factors. In some cases, you may face a minimum sentence of five days confinement and a fine of at least $100. And, if the conviction is your second or subsequent, you may not be eligible for probation until you complete five days in jail.

In certain circumstances, you may have a minimum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,500 fine. You may receive such a sentence if:

  • you have two or more previous convictions for driving on a suspended or revoked license, and
  • your license is suspended or revoked because you refused a law enforcement officer's request to take a blood, breath, or urine test or because of certain convictions relating to vehicle insurance, vehicular homicide or being a habitual offender.

In addition to fines and jail time, a conviction may cause your license to be suspended or revoked for a longer period of time.

Legal Help for Charges of Driving After Suspension or Revocation

The consequences of being convicted of driving while suspended or revoked can be serious. If you've been charged with one of these offenses, it's a good idea to get in contact with a qualified attorney right away.

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