Driving Without Insurance in Kansas

Driving or allowing an uninsured vehicle to be driven is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $300 to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both; a subsequent offense within three years of a prior conviction is a class A misdemeanor with a fine of $800 to $2,500. When the Division of Vehicles has evidence that coverage lapsed, it notifies the owner, who has 10 days to prove continuous coverage or request a hearing; otherwise the vehicle registration is revoked and driving privileges are suspended 30 days after notice. After an accident report or insurer denial of coverage, the licenses of uninsured drivers and owners can be suspended and registrations revoked. Reinstatement requires filing proof of insurance and paying a $100 reinstatement fee ($300 if the owner's registration was revoked within one year of a prior revocation). Giving a false certification of financial security is a class A misdemeanor.

Drivers must show evidence of financial security to a law enforcement officer on request, and may show it on a cell phone or other portable electronic device (the officer may view only that proof). Acceptable proof includes the policy or an insurer-issued ID card or certificate showing the insurer, policy number, vehicle and coverage dates. A driver who cannot show proof may be cited, but cannot be convicted if valid proof is produced in court within 10 days of the citation. Proof of insurance for each vehicle is also required to register or renew a license plate, and the Division of Vehicles verifies a number of insurance certifications each year.

For violations listed in K.S.A. 8-285, the Division of Vehicles director may require the person to carry insurance with the insurer keeping evidence of it on file with the Division for one year. The insurer must immediately notify the Division if the policy ends, and that notice is treated as evidence that the person has no financial security. A registration or license suspended for lack of insurance stays suspended until this proof of insurance is filed and the reinstatement fee is paid.