A new law in Kansas regarding suspended, revoked, and restricted driver’s licenses will come into effect at the beginning of the year, thanks in part to reporting from KAKE News. This marks the second change to the law, reflecting the importance of addressing this issue.
Ashton Gomez, like many drivers in the state, can finally breathe a sigh of relief this holiday season.
“It’s such a relief,” Gomez exclaimed, his voice filled with gratitude. “It feels like a tremendous weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can’t express how grateful I am to know that I will eventually be able to drive again.”
She hopes to obtain a restricted license in 2025 due to the modifications made to state law as a result of the passage of SB 500 this year.
The new law aims to broaden the eligibility criteria for restricted temporary licenses, allowing individuals to drive to essential destinations such as work, school, and medical appointments while they work towards paying off the fines and fees responsible for their initial license suspension.
“I ended up with a suspended license because I got into a wreck,” she explained. “Before I even had the chance to obtain my license, it was suspended. Additionally, I had a substantial amount of fines that I simply couldn’t afford to pay.”
Starting from January 1, individuals who have had their licenses revoked for driving on a suspended license will now have the opportunity to regain their driving privileges.
This change is part of the implementation of SB 500, a bill that brings about a series of long-awaited modifications to Kansas’ suspended and restricted drivers license laws. People like Peter Ninemire, a dedicated local activist, have tirelessly advocated for these changes over the years.
He expressed, “It’s been a journey of twelve years, or perhaps even longer, considering it all began in 2008. But it wasn’t until you, Pilar, took it up that things truly started to take off.”
Kansas State Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau and a group of individuals attribute the implementation of these changes to a joint effort. They acknowledge that the KAKE News Investigation and subsequent follow-ups played a crucial role in initiating the discussion. SB 500 marks the second modification to the law since our series commenced.
SB 500 goes beyond simply expanding restricted license eligibility. It introduces a significant change by allowing courts to offer restricted driver’s licenses immediately instead of automatically suspending them when individuals fail to pay fines and fees within the initial 30-day deadline.
Additionally, it places a cap on the reinstatement fee for a license at a mere $100. This provision will undoubtedly provide relief to many Kansans burdened by financial constraints, enabling them to regain their driving privileges more swiftly and affordably.
Many people in Kansas have been unable to drive due to their inability to pay off a traffic ticket. The accumulation of late fees only worsens the situation for them.
“They imposed these excessive fines that were impossible to repay,” Ninemire explained. “As a result, it effectively became a lifelong disenfranchisement, essentially punishing individuals for being poor.”
Gomez expressed their strong disapproval, stating, “It’s cruel. I mean, it’s real, but it’s not fair. At all. It’s really not.”
Advocates of changes like this argue that by ensuring more Kansans are driving legally, it will not only help them stay employed and financially stable, but also contribute to the affordability of car insurance for everyone.
The presence of a higher number of insured drivers would ultimately lead to reduced insurance costs for all individuals.
According to Ninemire, “What benefits one person often benefits all of us.”
“It’s such a relief,” Gomez reiterated. “This could truly make a difference for many individuals facing circumstances similar to mine.”