Kansas's Speeding Laws and Penalties

Kansas has two types of speeding laws: a "basic speeding law" and "absolute limits." This article explains the differences between the two and the consequences of a speeding violation. (Depending on the situation, a person cited for speed might also have viable ways to fight the ticket.)

Basic Speeding Law

Kansas's basic speeding law prohibits driving "at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual hazards then existing." In other words, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. What a safe speed is will depend on the circumstances. For instance, 55 miles per hour might be safe on a bright, sunny day. But if it's dark and the road is icy, going 55 miles per hour could be dangerous and a violation of the basic speeding law.

Absolute Speed Limits

There is no trick to how Kansas's absolute speed limits work: If the fixed speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive faster than that, you've violated the law. Kansas's absolute speed limits include:

• 30 miles per hour in urban districts
• 75 miles per hour on designated, separated multilane highways
• 55 miles per hour on county and township highways, and
• 65 miles per hour on all other highways.

Absolute speed limits are typically posted.

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket

Generally, anyone convicted of a speeding violation will have to pay a fine plus court costs. Court costs vary depending on the location of the violation but are typically around $25. Fines also vary by location but usually range from about $25 to $300 or more, depending on the amount by which the driver exceeded the speed limit.

Other Possible Charges

In certain circumstances, a speeding violation might lead to a "reckless driving" conviction. And if a speeding violation results in the death of another person, vehicular homicide charges are a possibility.