DRIVERS are being warned they could face fines of up to $2,500 – and even time behind bars – as one US state launches a tough new crackdown on the roads.
The new enforcement push targets repeat offenders and those caught committing dangerous driving violations, with authorities vowing zero tolerance.
The authorities are cracking down on people who are Driving Under the Influence (DUI)[/caption]
The new crackdown could cost you money, your car, your license and freedom[/caption]
The Greensburg Police Department stressed that patrols will be increased, particularly during nighttime hours when impaired driving crashes are most common.
Authorities say they’ll be using checkpoints and saturation patrols to identify offenders, and even first-time violators could face hefty fines, license suspension, or jail time.
Police say the stricter measures are aimed at reducing serious accidents and keeping roads safer, warning that anyone ignoring the rules could find themselves in court.
In Kansas, DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence – operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
It applies whether the substance is illegal, prescription, or even over-the-counter, if it affects your ability to drive safely.
The law also covers two main scenarios. Impairment DUI is when you’re too impaired to drive safely, based on officer observations and sobriety tests.
And Per se DUI is when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher, regardless of whether you appear impaired.
But how does it affect you if you’re a first-time offender – or facing a repeat conviction?
First offense
A first-time DUI conviction in Kansas is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Offenders must serve a minimum of 48 hours in jail, although some may qualify for probation afterward — but only under strict conditions.
These can include a complete ban on alcohol consumption, mandatory attendance at alcohol education programs, and regular check-ins with probation officers.
In addition, your vehicle may be impounded, and your driver’s license will be suspended for at least 30 days.
If the suspension extends beyond 45 days, you may be able to apply for a restricted license to drive under limited circumstances.
Second offense
A second DUI offense in Kansas is treated much more severely, classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
Offenders must serve a minimum of five days in jail, with at least two of those days served consecutively in a jail facility or through a weekend treatment program.
The remaining time may be completed in a work-release facility — where you return to jail each night after work — or under house arrest with strict monitoring.
A second conviction also comes with a minimum one-year suspension of driving privileges.
As with a first offense, you may be eligible to apply for a restricted license after 45 days, but driving freedoms remain heavily limited.
Third offense
A third DUI offense in Kansas carries the heaviest penalties yet — and it can be charged as a felony if you’ve had a DUI conviction or diversion within the past 10 years.
If there’s been no DUI on record in that time, it’s prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor.
Probation isn’t an option until you’ve served at least 90 days in custody.
After the first 48 hours in jail, you may qualify for a work-release program, and in some cases, house arrest with GPS monitoring can be approved.
A third DUI conviction also triggers a minimum one-year suspension of driving privileges, with eligibility to apply for a restricted license after 45 days under strict conditions.
Fourth offense or more
A fourth or subsequent DUI offense in Kansas is automatically treated as a felony and can result in a prison sentence.
Probation isn’t considered until after at least 90 days in custody.
However, after serving 72 hours behind bars, you might qualify for a work-release program, and in some cases, house arrest with GPS monitoring can be approved.
Once your sentence is complete, you’ll remain under supervision for a year and may be required to complete substance abuse treatment and mental health programs.
A fourth DUI conviction also carries a minimum one-year driver’s license suspension, with the possibility of applying for a restricted license after 45 days under strict conditions.
Can I refuse a blood or breath test?
Kansas’ “implied consent” law requires drivers arrested for DUI to take a blood or breath test.
Refusing is a criminal offense, often carrying penalties equal to or harsher than a DUI conviction, with severity increasing for prior offenses.
Regardless of the court outcome, refusal triggers a one- to three-year license suspension.
Does age matter?
Kansas has a “zero tolerance” law for drivers under 21, making it illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC of .02 or higher — even one drink can put you over the limit.
Minors aged 14 to 18 are tried as adults for traffic offences rather than in juvenile court.
What if my rights are violated?
One of the strongest defenses to a DUI charge in Kansas is proving that law enforcement violated your rights during the stop or arrest.
If this can be shown, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dismissed.
A DUI attorney will likely ask questions such as:
- What traffic violation prompted the stop — was there probable cause?
- Did the officer actually see you operating the vehicle?
- Did you take a breathalyzer test, and if so, how long after your last drink?
- Did you complete a field sobriety test, and what were the results?
- Were there external factors — like poor weather — that could have affected your performance?
- Were you clearly advised of your rights at the time of arrest?
Even if the evidence appears strong, mistakes by officers are not uncommon, and rights violations can be a key factor in avoiding a DUI conviction.
The Greensburg Police Department stressed that patrols will be increased, particularly during nighttime hours[/caption]
Refusing a test is a criminal offense often carrying penalties equal to or harsher than a DUI conviction[/caption]
Even first-time violators could face hefty fines, license suspension, or jail time[/caption]
