Criminal charges for operating a vehicle on a suspended or revoked license.
Like drivers across the United States, Kansans can lose their driving privileges for a variety of 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:
- 3 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.
(Kan. Stat. §§ 8-255, 8-1014 (2026).)
Your driver's license must be revoked if you’re convicted of certain crimes, including:
- vehicular homicide
- vehicular battery
- failure to stop after a crash that injured or killed someone
- reckless driving
- using a vehicle in the commission of a felony, and
- eluding or attempting to elude a police officer.
(Kan. Stat. § 8-254 (2026).)
Reinstating Your Revoked or Suspended License
When your period of suspension or revocation has ended, you might need to pay fees, submit to an examination, or complete other requirements to regain your driving privileges. (Kan. Stat. § 8-241 (2026).)
If your license was suspended or revoked for certain alcohol offenses, including DUI, you might 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 $200 and $1,500. The fee depends on whether the suspension was for DUI or refusal and the number of prior suspensions or revocations. (Kan. Stat. § 8-241 (2026).)
Criminal Charges for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License
Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor in Kansas.
For a first offense, you'll generally be charged with a class B nonperson misdemeanor. For this charge, you’ll face up to six months in jail and a fine of $100 to $1,000. (Kan. Stat. §§ 8-262, 21-6602, 21-6611 (2026).)
For a second or subsequent offense, you'll generally be charged with a class A nonperson misdemeanor. For this charge, you’ll face up to one year in jail and a fine of $100 to $2,500. (Kan. Stat. §§ 8-262, 21-6602, 21-6611 (2026).)
The above sentences are maximum sentences. If convicted, your actual sentence may be determined by many factors. In some cases, you might face a minimum sentence of five days' confinement. (Kan. Stat. § 8-262 (2026).)
In certain circumstances, you might have a minimum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,500 fine. You can 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.
(Kan. Stat. § 8-262 (2026).)
In addition to fines and jail time, a conviction might cause your license to be suspended or revoked for a longer period of time. (Kan. Stat. § 8-262 (2026).)
Legal Help for Driving After Suspension or Revocation Charges
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.