Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Kansas

Traffic tickets are filed in municipal (city) court or in the district court of the county where the offense occurred, as shown on the ticket. Some tickets require a court appearance (the word 'COURT' may appear instead of a fine amount); others can be paid without appearing. District court tickets can be paid online, by mail or in person; municipal court tickets are paid as directed by that court. Unpaid traffic citations lead to an automatic 60-day restriction (for eligible drivers) and then suspension if not satisfied.

Kansas courts do not describe a traffic school that removes points. Prosecutors (city, county or district attorneys) may offer diversion, a voluntary alternative in which a person completes conditions such as classes or community service so the charge can be dropped; each prosecutor has a written diversion policy.

Grounds include three or more moving violations in 12 months, failure to comply with a traffic citation (a 60-day restriction in lieu of suspension for eligible drivers, then suspension), failure to provide proof of insurance, chemical test failure or refusal, and DUI convictions. When the action is based on a court conviction, the driver may request administrative review within 30 days. Courts notify KDOR to reinstate failure-to-comply suspensions upon 'substantial compliance.'