Kansas DUI laws state that any driver over the age of 21 cannot have a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. For people under 21, it’s anything over 0.02%.

Written by Bonnie Stinson

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear

Updated on Dec 5, 2022

Table of Contents

What is a DUI?
DUI in Kansas
Penalties for a DUI in Kansas
Does a DUI impact car insurance in Kansas?
Other effects of a DUI
How to find cheap insurance after a DUI

Load full table of contents

Kansas DUI laws state that anyone who is driving with a blood/breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or above can be charged with a DUI, or "driving while intoxicated." Anyone under 21 can be charged if their BAC is higher than 0.02%.

Each year, over 10,000 people in the US are killed on the road as a result of drunk driving crashes.

Driving while under the influence—of alcohol or drugs—is a dangerous crime. Penalties vary by state, but even a first-time offense could cost you up to $10,000 in legal fees and fines. Plus, a DUI in Kansas will most certainly impact your

Kansas car insurance costs

Here’s everything you need to know about the DUI laws in Kansas, compiled by

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What is a DUI?

DUI is an acronym that stands for driving under the influence whereas DWI means driving while intoxicated or impaired.

A Kansas driver can be charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes legal drugs like prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. If you become impaired as a result of taking a substance and then get behind the wheel, you can be charged with a DUI.

Be aware that you could get a DUI without actually driving. "Operating or attempting to operate" a vehicle with a high BAC is enough to convict, even if the car isn’t moving.

It’s also possible to be convicted by your level of impairment, regardless of your BAC. That’s because the amount of alcohol a person must drink to reach the legal limit changes depending on body size and type of drink.

Some states use different terms to mean the same thing, like OUI (operating under the influence) or OWI (operating while intoxicated).

MORE:

DUI vs. DWI

DUI in Kansas

In Kansas, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of:

0.08% or higher if you’re 21 or older

0.04% or higher if you’re driving a commercial vehicle

0.02% or higher if you’re under the age of 21

Key Takeaway There is zero tolerance for minors driving under the influence. People under the age of 21 may not carry alcohol inside a vehicle unless a parent is present and the container is unopened, full, and sealed.

Each state has an implied consent law which says that you consent to be tested if an officer suspects you of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you are lawfully arrested for a DUI, you are required to submit to a urine, blood, or breath test. Kansas drivers who refuse a chemical test can be penalized with revocation of their license (one year for a first offense). If you refuse testing, you’ll also be required to install an ignition interlock device for two years.

You do not have the right to consult with legal counsel before taking the test.

MORE:

Tips to get a clean driving record

Penalties for a DUI in Kansas

Penalties for DUIs are severe in Kansas and the conviction will remain on your driving record for 10 years.

First conviction

In Kansas, a first offense DUI for a driver 21 and older could result in the following penalties.

Penalty	Description
Fine	$750 to $1,000
Jail	48 hours to six months
License suspension	30 days minimum, 1 year if BAC higher than 0.15%
Vehicle impoundment	No
SR-22 requirement	Yes
Ignition interlock device	Yes

For an underage DUI, here are the penalties for a first conviction.

Penalty	Description
Fine	$500 to $1,000 if BAC higher than 0.08%
Jail	48 hours to one year if BAC higher than 0.08%
License suspension	30 days
Vehicle impoundment	No
SR-22 requirement	Yes
Ignition interlock device	Yes, 330 days

Subsequent convictions

If you are convicted of a DUI again, you will be subject to increased penalties.

Penalty	Description
Fine	Up to $2,500
Jail	Five days to 12 months
License suspension	One year
Vehicle impoundment	Yes
SR-22 requirement	Yes
Ignition interlock device	Yes, one to three years

The state can require you to install an ignition interlock device (II) in your vehicle. This device can prevent you from starting the car if there is any alcohol on your breath.

It may be possible for you to obtain a restricted or hardship license in Kansas after a first offense that permits you to drive when necessary (i.e., to work) if you agree to:

Complete the prescribed program

Install an IID

Agree to only drive vehicles with an IID

Pay the reissue and restriction fees to the state

Key Takeaway Minimum penalties are usually increased if you had a very high blood alcohol concentration or if you were involved in an accident where someone was injured—even for a first conviction.

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Does a DUI impact car insurance in Kansas?

Yes, insurance companies pay very close attention to DUI convictions. You will be classified as a

high-risk driver

You may find it challenging to find insurance in Kansas with a DUI on record, so the best strategy is to shop around. The

Jerry

app can compare rates from up to 50 top insurance companies—in just 60 seconds—so you don’t have to deal with sales calls or fill out lengthy online forms.

With a conviction on your record, expect substantially higher rates than your previous payment.

You may need to find an insurance company that can file an

SR-22

on your behalf. This confirms that you have the

minimum car insurance required in your state

, and it’s required before you are allowed to drive.

MORE:

SR-22 in Kansas: what you need to know

Other effects of a DUI

On top of the penalties and higher insurance rates, you could face additional consequences due to a DUI conviction.

License revocation: After a DUI charge, you may have your license revoked if you were charged with other serious offenses—like endangerment.

Ignition interlock device: Every state has a version of the ignition interlock program which requires drivers with a DUI conviction to install this device in their vehicle. It can disable your engine if any alcohol is detected on your breath.

Background checks: Employers who pull a background check will see your DUI conviction. This could jeopardize your job prospects, especially since it will stay on your record for 10 years in Kansas.

How to find cheap insurance after a DUI

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If you want to save money on car insurance in Kansas, the Jerry app is a good place to start. A

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