Starting in the new year, a new change to Kansas law regarding suspended, revoked, and restricted driver’s licenses will be implemented. This change has been influenced, in part, by the reporting done by KAKE News.
Ashton Gomez, like many other drivers in the state, is finally able to breathe a sigh of relief this holiday season.
Gomez expressed a sense of relief and a burden lifted off their shoulders when they said, “It’s a relief… a weight off your shoulders for sure, like knowing that you’ll be able to drive again eventually.”
She hopes to obtain a restricted license in 2025 due to the changes in state law resulting from 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 that initially led to their license suspension.
“I ended up with a suspended license because I got into a wreck,” she explained. “To make matters worse, they suspended my license even before I had a chance to obtain it. On top of that, I had a stack of fines that I simply couldn’t afford to pay.”
Starting from January 1, individuals who have had their licenses revoked due to convictions for driving on a suspended license will now have the opportunity to regain their driving privileges. This significant development is part of a series of changes introduced through the passing of SB 500. For individuals like Gomez and local activist Peter Ninemire, who have long been advocating for reforms to Kansas’ suspended and restricted drivers license laws, these changes have been a long-awaited victory.
“It all began in 2008, so it’s been around for more than twelve years, or maybe even thirteen,” he expressed. “But it wasn’t until you, Pilar, stepped in that it really took off.”
Credit for these changes is given to him and others who joined forces under the guidance of Kansas State Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau. They acknowledge that it was a KAKE News Investigation and subsequent follow-ups that propelled the issue forward. It is worth noting that SB 500 marks the second alteration to the law since our series commenced.
SB 500 goes beyond the scope of expanding restricted license eligibility. It introduces a new provision that allows courts to offer restricted driver’s licenses right away, instead of automatically suspending them when individuals fail to meet the initial 30-day deadline for paying fines and fees. Additionally, the bill sets a limit on the reinstatement fee for a license, capping it at just $100.
Many Kanans have found themselves unable to drive due to their inability to pay off a traffic ticket. The late fees associated with these tickets can quickly accumulate, creating a financial burden that is difficult to overcome.
“They imposed these incredibly high fines that were impossible for them to ever pay off,” Ninemire explained. “It’s essentially a lifelong punishment, which essentially criminalizes poverty.”
“It’s incredibly cruel,” expressed Gomez with a heartfelt tone. “I find it difficult to comprehend, as it is undeniably real, but the sheer injustice of it all is truly overwhelming. It simply isn’t fair, not in the slightest.”
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 benefit the overall cost of car insurance. The increased number of insured drivers would ultimately lead to more affordable rates for everyone.
According to Ninemire, “What benefits one person can often benefit all of us.”
Gomez expressed his relief, emphasizing how beneficial it would be for others facing similar circumstances. He stated, “It would bring immense relief to so many individuals, just like me.”
