The Kansas Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

When you get your Kansas driver's license, you also receive a clean driving record. Keeping it that way is one of your most important responsibilities. To encourage safe driving and identify high-risk drivers, the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) uses a system to track traffic convictions.

Unlike many states that use a "point" system, Kansas's system is based on the number and severity of moving violations on your record. If you accumulate too many convictions in a short period, you will face serious consequences, including mandatory driver improvement courses and the suspension of your license.

How the Kansas System Works: A Record of Convictions

Instead of assigning points, the KDOR simply records each moving violation conviction on your driving record. Certain actions are triggered when you reach a specific number of violations within a set timeframe.

The Habitual Violator Threshold

You will be designated a "habitual violator" if you are convicted of three or more moving violations within any 12-month period.

The Consequences of Violations

The KDOR takes progressive action as you accumulate convictions.

• Warning Letter: After your first conviction, the KDOR will likely mail you a Warning Letter. This is your first official notice that a violation is on your record and that further convictions will lead to more serious consequences.

• At 2 Violations: The KDOR may require you to complete a mandatory Driver Improvement Clinic.

• At 3 Violations in 12 months (Habitual Violator): This is a critical threshold. Once you are convicted of your third moving violation in a 12-month period, your driver's license will be suspended. The length of the suspension will depend on your overall driving record, but a first-time suspension is typically for 90 days.

Stricter Rules for Teen Drivers (GDL Holders)

The consequences for new, young drivers are much harsher. Kansas has a "zero tolerance" approach to unsafe driving by teens.

• First Offense: For a teen driver's first conviction of a moving violation, the penalties can include a license suspension for 30 days.
• Second Offense: A second conviction can result in a 90-day suspension.
• Violating GDL Restrictions: If a teen is convicted of violating their GDL restrictions (like the curfew or passenger limits), their license will be suspended.

This means a single ticket for a teen driver can have very serious consequences for their driving privilege.

Serious Violations

Some offenses are considered "serious violations" and carry their own, more severe penalties, regardless of your prior record. These include:

• Reckless driving
• Eluding or attempting to elude law enforcement
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): A conviction for DUI results in an immediate and lengthy license suspension.

How to Keep Your Record Clean

1. Drive Safely: The most effective method is to avoid getting tickets in the first place by obeying all traffic laws.
2. Understand GDL Laws: If you are a teen driver, strictly adhering to your curfew and passenger restrictions is not just a good idea—it's the law, and breaking it has harsh penalties.
3. Know Your Status: You can order a copy of your driving record from the KDOR to stay informed about your status.
4. Attend a Driver Improvement Clinic: If the court gives you the option, completing a driver improvement course can sometimes lead to a dismissal of a ticket or a reduction in penalties, which can keep a conviction off your record.

Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the Kansas violation system, you can make informed decisions that will keep your record clean and keep you safe on the road.