Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

In Kansas, your driver’s license is not suspended immediately the moment you’re arrested for a DUI, but suspension can begin shortly afterward. When you’re charged with driving under the influence, your license is usually temporarily seized, and you receive a DC-27 form (Notice of Suspension). This form acts as a temporary license that allows you to drive for 14 days. After that period, your license can be officially suspended unless you request a hearing with the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR).

Immediate Consequences After a DUI Arrest

Upon arrest, the officer confiscates your physical driver’s license and issues a temporary driving permit valid for 14 days. During this time, you can continue to drive legally while deciding whether to challenge the suspension.

• Temporary license – The DC-27 form serves as a 14-day permit.
• License confiscation – Your license is held pending review.
• Deadline to act – You must request a hearing within 14 days to avoid automatic suspension.

Administrative License Suspension (ALS)

The administrative suspension is separate from the criminal DUI case. Even if your DUI charges are later reduced or dismissed, the Kansas Department of Revenue can still suspend your license based on the failed or refused breath test.

• Failed chemical test – Results in a 30-day suspension followed by restricted driving privileges.
• Refused test – Leads to a one-year suspension and possibly longer restrictions.
• Hearing option – You can request an administrative hearing to contest the suspension.

How Long the Suspension Lasts

The length of your license suspension depends on whether it’s your first, second, or third DUI and if you refused testing. Kansas law has strict minimum suspension periods:

• First DUI (failed test) – 30-day suspension plus 6 months of restricted driving with an ignition interlock device.
• First DUI (refused test) – 1-year suspension followed by 2 years of ignition interlock.
• Repeat offenses – Longer suspensions and extended interlock requirements.

Requesting a Hearing

To prevent immediate suspension, you can file a written request for a driver’s license hearing within 14 days of your arrest. At this hearing, you can challenge the officer’s actions, the test results, or the lawfulness of your arrest.

• Submit the request and $50 filing fee to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
• The hearing may be in-person or by telephone.
• If you win, your driving privileges remain intact; if not, the suspension begins.

Restricted License Options

After your suspension period, you may qualify for a restricted license that allows you to drive using an ignition interlock device (IID). The IID measures your breath for alcohol before allowing the car to start.

• Required for most DUIs – Even first-time offenders must install an IID.
• Duration – Typically 6 months to 3 years depending on prior offenses.
• Issued by – Kansas Department of Revenue after meeting reinstatement requirements.

Your driver’s license is not suspended instantly after a DUI in Kansas, but suspension usually begins 14 days after arrest unless you request a hearing. The outcome depends on your test results, prior offenses, and whether you act quickly to challenge the suspension.