Kansas Restricted Licenses: What You Need To Know

what are the kansas laws on restricted license

Kansas laws on restricted licenses vary depending on the age of the licensee and the type of license. For instance, a restricted license for a 15-year-old allows them to drive unsupervised to and from work or school, or with a licensed adult driver over 21 years old in the front passenger seat. After turning 16, some restrictions are lifted, and they can drive anywhere from 5 am to 9 pm, including to and from work and school activities. To obtain an unrestricted license at 17, a licensee must have held their restricted license for at least 6 months and provide a signed affidavit from a parent or guardian confirming 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 hours at night. Kansas also offers restricted licenses for those with suspended licenses, allowing them to drive to and from work, school, and medical emergencies with an ignition interlock device installed.

Characteristics Values
Age requirement 15-16 years old
Instruction permit required Yes, for at least 1 year
Instruction permit type State-issued
Affidavit required Yes, 50 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 hours at night
Affidavit signatory Parent or guardian
Affidavit supervisor Adult with a valid commercial driver's license (class A, B, or C) and aged 21 or older
Driving restrictions To or from work, school, or farm-related work; directly to or from religious activities; anytime/anywhere with a licensed adult
Wireless restriction No use of wireless devices except to report illegal activity or summon medical or emergency help
Passenger restriction No more than one non-sibling passenger under the age of 18
Time requirement 6 months
License type Restricted class C or M driver's license
License issuance Issued by the Division of Vehicles
Fee $8 photo fee for a new license without restrictions
Eligibility for unrestricted license Age 17 or 6 months after obtaining a restricted license
Eligibility for restricted license after suspension Yes, with certain conditions

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Restricted license requirements

In Kansas, a restricted license allows a person to drive for up to 12 months while they pay off fines and court fees before their license is resuspended. There is no longer a fee to apply for the Restricted Driver's Program based on failure to pay a traffic ticket.

To obtain a restricted license, applicants must be at least 15 years old and have held an instructional permit for at least one year. They must also have completed a Kansas-approved driver's education course and logged 25 hours of supervised driving. This must be tracked on a Kansas Supervised Driving Affidavit and signed by a parent or guardian.

For those under 16, a signed affidavit from a parent or guardian is required, stating that the applicant has completed 25 hours of driving prior to being issued a restricted license and an additional 25 hours of adult-supervised driving. Of the total 50 hours, at least 10 must be at night, with an adult aged 21 or over holding a valid commercial driver's license.

Once a restricted license has been obtained, there are several restrictions to be aware of. These include:

  • Only driving unsupervised to and from school or work, using the most direct route
  • For any other purpose, driving only with a licensed adult driver (aged 21 or over) in the front passenger seat
  • Completing the remaining 25 hours of the required 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 hours at night
  • Not carrying any passengers other than siblings
  • Not using a mobile device to talk or text, unless it's to report an emergency

After turning 16 and completing the required 50 hours of supervised driving, some restrictions are lifted. The license holder is then able to drive anywhere from 5 am to 9 pm, anytime going to or from work, school activities, or religious worship services.

After holding a restricted license for six months or until the age of 17 (whichever comes first), the licensee can apply for a full, unrestricted license if they have complied with all laws. They will need to provide the Kansas Supervised Driving Affidavit, signed by their parent or guardian, and pay the required fees.

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Driving restrictions

In Kansas, driving restrictions vary depending on the type of license and the age of the driver. Here is a detailed overview of the driving restrictions for different scenarios:

Restricted Licenses for Teen Drivers:

For teen drivers in Kansas, there are several restrictions in place, which vary depending on age:

  • Age 15: At the age of 15, drivers with a restricted license can operate motor vehicles when going to, from, or for work, farm-related work, or school on days when school is in session. They must take the most direct route between their residence and school. They can also drive from 6 am to 9 pm while going to or returning from religious activities. Additionally, they may drive at any time when accompanied by a licensed adult (age 21 or older) who holds a valid commercial driver's license (Class A, B, or C) and sits in the passenger seat.
  • Age 16: When a restricted license holder turns 16, some restrictions are lifted. They can drive anywhere from 5 am to 9 pm, anytime going to or from work, school activities, or religious worship services. They are still prohibited from carrying non-sibling minor passengers and must comply with wireless communication device restrictions. After turning 16, if they have completed 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), they will move to less restricted privileges.
  • Age 17: When a licensee turns 17 or has held their restricted license for 6 months, they become eligible to apply for an unrestricted license. They will need to provide proper identification, complete the required 50 hours of supervised driving, and pay the necessary fees.

Restricted Licenses due to DUI or Suspensions:

Kansas also offers restricted licenses to individuals dealing with license suspensions or DUI-related issues:

  • DUI-Related Restricted Licenses: In Kansas, if you have been suspended for a year due to a DUI, you are generally eligible to apply for a restricted IID (Ignition Interlock Device) license. This allows you to drive to and from work or school, probation, and drug/alcohol treatment meetings. You must have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
  • Restricted Driver's License Program: Kansas has a program for individuals with suspended licenses due to unpaid fines and court fees. This program allows them to drive with restrictions for up to 12 months while they work on paying off their fines.
  • Hardship Licenses: Kansas also offers hardship licenses in certain situations, such as when an individual has a suspension for failing a chemical test or a DUI conviction. After serving a specific waiting period, they can apply for a restricted license.
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Wireless restrictions

In Kansas, there are specific exceptions to the wireless restriction rule. Drivers with restricted licenses are permitted to use wireless communication devices in emergency situations. This includes reporting illegal activity, such as a crime or a traffic violation, and summoning medical or emergency assistance. For example, if a driver witnesses a car accident, they are allowed to use their cell phone to call 911 and request emergency services.

It's important to note that these wireless restrictions are in place for a driver's first six months with a restricted license. If a driver complies with all the laws during this period, the restrictions will be lifted. However, violating the wireless restriction law can result in a moving traffic violation, which may have consequences for the driver's license status.

Kansas's wireless restrictions for restricted license holders aim to foster a culture of safe and responsible driving among teenagers. By limiting distractions and encouraging focus, these laws help new drivers develop essential skills and gain valuable experience while prioritising the well-being of everyone on the road.

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Passenger restrictions

In the state of Kansas, a restricted license allows for supervised driving with certain limitations. One of the key restrictions pertains to passengers.

For those holding a restricted license in Kansas, there are specific rules regarding who can be a passenger in the vehicle. The primary restriction is that the licensee cannot transport any non-sibling minor passengers. In other words, the only minors allowed to be passengers are the licensee's siblings. This restriction is in place to prevent underage friends or peers from being passengers and to ensure that the licensee's siblings can still be transported when necessary.

Additionally, there is a limit on the number of non-sibling passengers under the age of 18. The licensee is only permitted to have one non-sibling passenger under the age of 18 in the vehicle at any given time. This restriction aims to limit the number of underage passengers and promote safer driving conditions for new drivers.

Furthermore, until the licensee turns 16, they must adhere to additional driving restrictions. They can only drive unsupervised to and from school or work, taking the most direct and accessible route. For any other purpose, they must be accompanied by a licensed adult driver, who is at least 21 years old, in the front passenger seat. Once the licensee turns 16 and has completed 50 hours of supervised driving, some restrictions are lifted. They can then drive anywhere between 5 am and 9 pm, including to and from work, school activities, and religious worship services.

To obtain an unrestricted license in Kansas, the licensee must typically hold their restricted license for six months or reach the age of 17, whichever comes first. During this period, they must comply with all the restrictions and laws governing their restricted license. If they have had their license suspended due to a DUI conviction or chemical test refusal, they may apply for a restricted license after a certain period, but they will need to drive with an ignition interlock device for an extended period.

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Time restrictions

The duration of a restricted license in Kansas typically lasts up to one year, after which it may be renewed or reinstated as a full license, depending on the individual's circumstances. However, the duration is not set in stone and may vary based on factors such as the nature of the restriction, the severity of the offense, and the discretion of the licensing authority.

For example, individuals with a restricted license due to unpaid fines and court fees are given up to 12 months to pay off these debts before their license is resuspended. On the other hand, if a licensee has been convicted of two or more moving violations before turning 16, the restricted license will remain in place until they turn 17.

Additionally, time restrictions apply to when a licensee can drive. Typically, driving is restricted to the hours between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. and is limited to driving to and from places like work, school, or religious activities. Once a licensee turns 16, some of these restrictions are lifted, and they are allowed to drive anywhere within the designated time frame.

To progress from a restricted license to an unrestricted license, individuals must typically hold their restricted license for six months or until they turn 17, whichever comes first. During this time, they must comply with all legal requirements, including completing the required 50 hours of supervised driving, with 25 hours supervised by a licensed adult over 21 and 10 hours at night.

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Frequently asked questions

A restricted license is a special type of driver’s license issued to individuals who have had their regular licenses suspended but need to drive for essential purposes.

Drivers with suspended licenses are able to apply for a restricted license in certain situations. For example, if you have unpaid fines and court fees, you can get a restricted license that gives you up to 12 months to pay them off before your license is resuspended. Individuals who have committed serious moving violations, such as reckless driving or excessive speeding, may also be eligible for a restricted license.

The requirements for a restricted license vary depending on the specific circumstances. In general, applicants must provide proof of insurance coverage and documentation such as a signed affidavit from a parent or guardian stating that the applicant has completed the required number of hours of supervised driving. For teen drivers, this is 25 hours of supervised driving before getting a restricted license and 25 additional hours before getting an unrestricted license.

The restrictions on a Kansas restricted license include limited driving hours and approved locations. Driving is typically restricted to and from places like work, school, or medical appointments, and driving is only permitted during specific hours, typically from 5 am to 9 pm. Teen drivers with a restricted license are also not allowed to carry any passengers other than siblings and must follow wireless restrictions.

The duration of a restricted license in Kansas typically lasts up to one year, but this may vary depending on factors such as the nature of the restriction, the severity of the offense, and the discretion of the licensing authority. After the restricted license period, individuals may be eligible to apply for a full license reinstatement.

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