The Racial Profiling Advisory Board in Wichita has launched a one-stop website to help individuals who have had their driver’s licenses suspended due to unpaid traffic fines. 

The website — RacialProfilingWichitaKS.com — escorts those needing to reinstate their licenses through what can be a tricky legal process. They offer all the needed forms, fact sheets, addresses, and info free of charge. 

The process of getting your license back can be very complex and it differs by agency.  

For example the rules and the processes are different if you’re ticketed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Dept. versus the City of Wichita, and the process can vary by county.  

While their information is geared to Wichita, there’s something for people across the state to learn about the general rules and process for getting a license back and there are links to state forms and contact info for state agencies involved in the driver’s license suspension and reinstatement process.  

The site even includes downloadable forms you’ll need, like the form you need to apply for a restricted license.  

One thing you need to know is that many of the programs don’t apply if you have a DUI or if your license has been revoked, versus suspended.  

Just in case you’re wondering, you can use the site to check the status of your license.  

Rules Have Changed 

What a lot of people may not know is that the state has passed a law that allows individuals to have the amount of their fines reduced if they show that paying the full amount creates a financial hardship for them.  

In addition, most courts have established a plan that allows you to complete community service to pay off your fines. The rate per hour varies by agency and what qualifies as approved community service also varies by jurisdiction.  

Wichita Legal Service Support 

In case you missed this one, in December, the City of Wichita voted unanimously to approve a contract with Kansas Legal Services to provide free legal services for a new initiative: the Wichita Area Driver’s License Restoration Program (WARP) designed to help guide individuals through the process of getting their licenses reinstated.  

The Racial Profiling Board website also has a link to the application for the Legal Services provided under this agreement. 

IS YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENDED? IF SO, HERE IS WHERE TO GO TO APPLY FOR A RESTRICTED LICENSE TO DRIVE AGAIN LEGALLY THEN SET UP A PAYMENT/COMMUNITY SERVICE PLAN, PLUS ASK THE JUDGE TO REDUCE YOUR FINES AND FEES.

Kansas Driver’s License Status Check | www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/DLStatus/login.aspx

Suspended Licenses / Driver Solutions | www.ksrevenue.org/dovsuspended.html near the bottom, download the Application to complete, then mail it to Topeka so they can send you a Restricted License to drive legally while paying your fines and fees. Call 785-296-3671 or check online to find out the citation numbers on which you still owe and to learn if they have been turned over to a collection agency.

18th District Court Traffic Division | www.sedgwickcounty.org/district-attorney/traffic-division

To fill out a “Manifest Hardship” Application to request a reduction in your fines and fees for county tickets, go to the Sedgwick County Courthouse at 525 N. Main, room 714. Once you write your Motion, the clerk will set a Friday court date for you to appear. Payment plans can also be set up with the clerk and paid online at www.citepayusa.com The Traffic Division Clerk can be reached at 316-660-5670.

Municipal Court Payment Options | www.wichita.gov/Court/Pages/Payment.aspx Go to the 2nd floor in Wichita City Hall to sign a monthly Payment Plan Contract so you can pay your fines and fees online or by mail, phone or in person. Their phone is 316-268-4611. Ask them for a “Manifest Hardship” Application.

Save time. Go to https://RacialProfilingWichitaKS.com/drive-again-legally to download the forms you need to complete & take to the Municipal or District Court.