SLIP Program Restored Licenses to Keep WyCo Residents Moving

Published on October 04, 2024

Breaking the cycle of suspension

Did you know that over 200,000 Kansans have a suspended driver's license, the sixth highest rate in the United States? Most of these suspensions have nothing to do with safety-related issues, such as DUI (driving under the influence). The majority of cases are a result of procedural issues such as failure to appear in court, failure to pay, and insurance-related issues. Once the license is suspended, people can get trapped in a cycle of penalties that are difficult to correct.

Image: Free to Drive, Fact Sheet: Poverty Should Never Determine Who is Free to Drive, 2020

Various studies indicate a serious problem with the system which disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income residents.

• 40-50% of those with a suspended license will lose their job (California).
• The average annual income loss for someone with a suspended license is $36,800 (Arizona).
• Approximately 75% of those with a suspended license will drive at least once. 

Driving with a suspended license can be a gateway into further criminal charges and the complicated nature of a license suspension makes it difficult for the average citizen to navigate. Helping to break this cycle and reduce the number of negative interactions with the judicial system is important to the overall well-being of our community.

Municipal Court Pilots SLIP

In May of 2022, in partnership with Kansas Legal Services (KLS) and the Wyandotte County Health Department, the Municipal Court launched the Suspended License Intervention Program (SLIP), a pilot program designed to assist those who would otherwise not be able to recover from a cycle of continuing license suspensions. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the program offered assistance to defendants seeking to obtain valid licenses. Additionally, the program sought to reduce the number of jail days served and/or additional lengthy suspensions due to habitual violator status through a supervised diversion program.  

During the 28-month pilot program, the Suspended License Intervention Program accomplished the following:

• 563 Wyandotte County residents were served.
• A total of 141 persons had their license reinstated.
• A total of $83,358 in fines and fees were waived.
• Between $1.8 and $5.1M was put back into the pockets of our residents.

The Suspended License Intervention Program has ended due to the expiration of funding. However, the Municipal Court continues to explore new ways to support a more just approach to court fines and fees.

Hear more about the program