What happens if you get pulled over on the state line between KS & MO? We found out
Some states are separated by rivers or mountains, but on State Line Road, you only need to cross the street to get to Kansas or Missouri.
The 12.5 mile street stretches from the University of Kansas Medical Center to Martin City and roughly follows the Kansas-Missouri border. It separates Kansas City, Missouri, from Kansas City, Kansas, Westwood, Mission Hills, Prairie Village and Leawood.
In 2023, State Line Road received an average of 13,000 daily travelers going both north and south, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. With so many drivers taking State Line, some of them are going to break the law.
But which police department is in charge of State Line Road? And what if a police chase crosses state lines?
The Kansas City Police Department shared how it handles traffic violations, like running a red light or texting while driving, on this unique Kansas City street.
How do police departments handle driving tickets on State Line Road?
Where you are in the street affects which state you’ll get a ticket from.
On some parts of State Line Road, the double yellow line is exactly the state line — going north you are in Missouri and going south you’re in Kansas. In other areas, the road and border diverge.
While most general maps don’t get this detailed, Capt. Jake Becchina, a KCPD spokesperson, said those who patrol areas close to the state line are familiar with its location.
“Believe me, they really know,” Becchina said.
In addition, the state from which you receive a ticket depends on where an officer sees you breaking a traffic law, not where you come to a stop.
So if a Kansas City police officer sees you speeding on the Missouri side, they can pull you over, even if you move into Kansas while doing so. But if that same officer sees you speeding on the Kansas side, they would have to let it slide or call their Kansas counterparts.
What about police chases?
If a chase starts in Kansas and crosses into Missouri, Kansas cops can continue to follow the car, though Becchina said they’d most likely call for reinforcements from their Missouri counterparts.
Once a driver is apprehended and placed into custody in Missouri, Kansas police would need an extradition to move the suspect to the place where the crime occurred.
Becchina said this “has happened from time to time” and can take up to 48 hours to move through the court.
Have more questions about Kansas or Missouri traffic laws? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published August 11, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
