Category Archives: Transportation

Briefing Book 2026: Speeding: Statistics, Laws, and Countermeasures

Driving too fast for conditions and exceeding the speed limit contribute to significant numbers of deaths, numbers of injuries, and costs. While Kansas laws generally specify acceptable speeds and penalties for violation, additional policy options could be explored. Speeding Statistics In information released in April 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) estimated 11,775 speeding-relatedContinue reading “Briefing Book 2026: Speeding: Statistics, Laws, and Countermeasures”

Kansas Laws on Bicycle, E-Bike, and Scooter Operation

This memorandum summarizes State of Kansas traffic laws applicable to the operation of bicycles, electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes)1, and electric-assisted scooters (e-scooters)2 on roadways. Local laws also may apply and may address additional topics. Download a PDF of this memo here. The “Rules of the Road” Apply to All Cyclists and e-scooter operators must follow theContinue reading “Kansas Laws on Bicycle, E-Bike, and Scooter Operation”

Comparing States’ Laws on Online Vehicle Insurance Verification

In 2025, Kansas became one of the 19 states with online verification of insurance for passenger vehicles. Kansas’ law, effective July 1, 2025, includes many features suggested in the model Auto Liability Motor Vehicle Insurance Verification Act (Model Act) dated December 5, 2024, developed by the Insurance Industry Committee on Motor Vehicle Administration (IICMVA). ThisContinue reading “Comparing States’ Laws on Online Vehicle Insurance Verification”

Taxes on Electric Vehicle Charging

This memorandum provides information regarding the equivalency in power generated from a gallon of gasoline and a kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. It reviews energy equivalence, state taxes on electricity sold as vehicle fuel, additional features of laws regarding electricity as fuel, and calculation of fiscal effect. Download a PDF of this memo here. Equivalency BetweenContinue reading “Taxes on Electric Vehicle Charging”

Special City and County Highway Fund Distributions

Vehicle-fuel tax moneys are directed to the Special City and County Highway Fund (SCCHF) and the State Highway Fund (SHF): since 2003, 33.63 percent to the SCCHF and 66.37 percent to the SHF. Since 1970, 57.0 percent of the SCCHF is distributed to counties and 43.0 percent to cities. Distributions to counties and cities fromContinue reading “Special City and County Highway Fund Distributions”

States’ Fees for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Although electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles comprise less than 1.0 percent and 2.8 percent of all vehicles in operation, respectively, they are increasing as a percentage of sales.1,2 To make up for traditional motor fuel tax revenue not received for these vehicles, an increasing number of states—39 to date—have imposed separate fees on EVs,Continue reading “States’ Fees for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles”

Costs of and Laws to Reduce Distracted Driving

This memorandum provides information on restrictions on use of electronic devices while driving in the laws of all states and the District of Columbia. It also summarizes costs of distracted driving in Kansas, state laws prohibiting distracted driving in general, the specific activities or actions the state laws prohibit, exemptions to device-use bans, and applicable fines and other penalties.

Report of the Special Committee on Restricted Driving Privileges to the 2024 Kansas Legislature

The Special Committee on Restricted Driving Privileges (Committee) was created by the Legislative Coordinating Council to evaluate various policy options, including provisions proposed in 2023 SB 2, and to make recommendations for reform of laws relating to restricted driving privileges for certain drivers. The Committee was authorized to meet for two days.