Kansans should be aware of new state laws affecting license plate frames, cell phone usage in construction zones and, perhaps most significantly for law enforcement, a new law that no longer allows criminals to be released from jail on their own recognizance, Allen County Sheriff Anthony Maness said.
Maness spoke with the Register about the changes, which were approved by legislators this spring and took effect July 1.
Up until now, a suspect arrested for various misdemeanors, such as a drunken-driving violation, or even for cases such as driving without insurance, were eligible to be released on their own recognizance, Maness noted.
That is, they signed a paper promising to return for their required court appearances.
Now, those affectedf must wait to see a judge in order to set that bond.
“I have no problems with people going to jail if they commit a crime,” Maness said. “But this is a significant deviation from what we’ve seen.”
He estimated most arrests by deputies typically resulted in own-recognizance bond releases.
While it’s too soon to determine how much extra manpower is needed, Maness said sheriffs across the state have been instructed to plan for higher inmate count.
He also expects to see further revisions as the law’s ripple effects become known.
ALSO of note, a motorist with a decorative license plate frame must make sure the frame does not block pertinent information, such as the decals depicting the administering county, the registration date, and even to ensure the state’s name is visible.
Maness didn’t anticipate much of an effect for most motorists, because the “KANSAS” at the top of the plate is written in thick block letters making it easily visible, especially compared to other states’ license plates.
Additionally, most frames already have recessed corners, making it easier to see county and registration date decals.
In any matter, enforcement will not begin for those violations until Jan. 1, although officers will likely initiate traffic stops to notify the motorist that improper frames are in violation.
“I’m a huge fan of educational traffic stops,” he said.
Also of note in Kansas. Plastic covers over license plates remain illegal. “That hasn’t changed,” Maness said.
THE THIRD new state law mandates motorists use hands-free technology when traveling through work and school zones.
