Check your Kansas license plate covers. You could get stopped under new law
On July 1, 124 new laws went into effect in Kansas. The laws tackle a wide range of issues, from education and criminal justice reform to election security and — crucially for Kansas drivers — license plates.
There are new rules regarding what drivers in Kansas can and can’t do with their license plates, or risk being pulled over.
Senate Bill 403, approved in April 2026 and signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly, restricts license plates “with any frame or other object on or around the plate that affects its visibility or legibility,” according to the Kansas Legislature.
The change in the law comes after a July 2025 Kansas Supreme Court ruling decided that Kansas officers may no longer stop cars solely for obstruction of a state name on a license plate.
What can’t be covered on Kansas license plates?
The bill says these parts on Kansas license plates can’t be covered:
- The assigned alphanumeric registration number
- The state of issue
- The month of expiration on the decal sticker
- The color of the decal sticker
Any clear, opaque material or plastic-like material that affects the plate’s visibility or reflectivity is included. It could mean that you have to replace your Jayhawks- or Chiefs-themed license plate frame if it blocks any of the numbers or stickers on your plate.
The bill now requires officers to issue a warning citation until Jan. 1, 2027. Drivers will get ticketed after, but the amount will be determined by individual municipalities.
The Leawood Police Department said the law will assist officers in the following:
- Helping identify vehicles involved in hit-and-run crashes
- Assisting in locating stolen vehicles
- Making it easier for witnesses to report suspicious or dangerous driving
- Promoting accountability by ensuring license plates can be clearly read
