Kansas DUI Laws

The state of Kansas has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. In addition to zero tolerance laws for minors, Kansas has mandatory jail terms and automatic license suspension for a first offense. Once you have paid your dues, you will still have to carry a restricted license for the ext 11 months. If you get caught drinking and driving during your restriction period, you may lose your vehicle and your license for an additional year.

Here are some facts to consider before questioning Kansas’s tough DUI laws.  Between 2006 and 2007, the state recorded 466 fatal car crashes. 162 were the result of an individual that had a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of Kansas?

In the state of Kansas, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If you get caught with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system and you cause an accident that results in injury or death, the judge may still assess DUI penalties.

In the state of Kansas what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of Kansas, if you get arrested for DUI, the administrative license suspension time for a first offense is one month. Under administrative license suspension, the drivers’ license will be taken before conviction when he either fails or refuses to be tested for alcohol or drugs. During the one-month suspension period, the driver may not obtain a limited license.

In the state of Kansas, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

For a first drunk driving offense, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days and you will have to spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail. You will have to pay a fine anywhere between $500-$1,000 and your vehicle may be impounded for up to 12 months. The judge may also order alcohol treatment and community service. Your license will also be restricted for 11 months after you have satisfied all of the penalties listed above.

For a second offense, you will go to jail for 3-12 months and you will have to pay $1,000-$5,000. The judge may also order alcohol treatment and community service. Your license will be suspended for one year and you will have to install an interlock device on your vehicle for up to one year -- at your own expense.