Kansas's Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

Read about Kansas’s reckless driving laws and the consequences of a conviction.

By , Attorney · University of San Francisco School of Law

Reckless driving is a crime in Kansas. This article explains how Kansas defines reckless driving and the penalties you'll face for a conviction.

What's Considered "Reckless Driving" in Kansas?

Kansas defines reckless driving as driving "in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property." The term "willful" refers to conduct that is intentional or purposeful. And "wanton" generally means the person understood but disregarded the consequences of the conduct. (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 8-1566.)

Kansas's Reckless Driving Penalties

Reckless driving is a misdemeanor in Kansas. The possible penalties for a conviction are described below.

Fines and Jail Time for a 1st Reckless Driving Offense in Kansas

Motorists convicted of a first reckless driving offense face five to 90 days in jail and/or $25 to $500 in fines.

Fines and Jail Time for a 2nd or Subsequent Reckless Driving Offense in Kansas

A second or subsequent reckless driving conviction carries ten days to six months in jail and/or $50 to $500 in fines.

License Suspension for Reckless Driving in Kansas

Anyone convicted of reckless driving is generally looking at a license suspension of up to a year.

Reckless Driving and DUI Charges ("Wet Reckless") in Kansas

In some states, it's possible for a driver who's charged with driving under the influence (DUI) to "plea bargain" for a lesser charge. When a DUI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it's sometimes called a "wet reckless."

In Kansas, prosecutors are prohibited from reducing a DUI charge where the purpose of the reduction is to permit the defendant to avoid the mandatory DUI penalties. However, plea bargaining for other purposes is allowed.

Talk to an Attorney

The facts of every case are different. If you've been arrested for or charged with reckless driving, get in contact with an experienced defense attorney. A qualified attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on how best to handle your situation.

DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS
Talk to a Defense attorney
We've helped 95 clients find attorneys today.
There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please enter a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please enter a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Please enter a valid Case Description
Description is required

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you