Vehicle lifts in Kansas: plate rules, hitch lifts and VR help

In Kansas, passenger cars carry a single license plate, and it goes on the back. That is exactly where a hitch-mounted scooter or wheelchair lift sits, which is why the first question many Kansas drivers ask is whether a loaded lift will put them on the wrong side of a traffic stop.

The short answer: Kansas law wants the rear plate fastened at least 12 inches off the ground, clearly visible, legible and lit. A lift that blocks it creates a problem, and many lifts include a plate mount. Here is what the statutes say, followed by help available in the state and a look at specific models.

What Kansas statutes say about the rear plate

K.S.A. 8-133(a) provides that "The license plate assigned to the vehicle shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle," and that, apart from listed exceptions, "a Kansas registered vehicle shall not have a license plate attached to the front of the vehicle." So the back of the car is the only place the plate can go on most passenger vehicles.

Subsection (c) then sets the standard for how it is mounted: "Every license plate shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle to which it is assigned, to prevent the plate from swinging, and at a height not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of such plate. The license plate shall be fastened in a place and position to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible."

Lighting is covered in the equipment article. K.S.A. 8-1706 requires at least two tail lamps that "emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of one thousand (1,000) feet to the rear," mounted between 15 and 72 inches high, and says that "Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty (50) feet to the rear."

We did not find a Kansas statute that names wheelchair carriers or scooter lifts specifically. The plate and lamp rules above apply to the vehicle as you drive it, with or without a lift on the hitch. If a lift covers your plate or tail lamps, a relocated plate bracket or added lighting may be needed; the county treasurer's motor vehicle office or the Kansas Highway Patrol can tell you what they accept.

When a lift is part of getting to work: Kansas Rehabilitation Services

The Kansas Department for Children and Families runs vocational rehabilitation through Rehabilitation Services. Its policy manual on vehicles says that "Vehicle modification may be provided if necessary to enable the individual to participate in IPE services or achieve an employment outcome," and classes vehicle modification as "an assistive technology service." The same page states that "The overall cost cap for vehicle modifications is $13,500 for the life of the case," and asks the counselor and client to discuss first whether the person already has use of a vehicle that meets their needs. Help through this route is tied to an employment plan, so it fits a lift that gets someone to a job or training.

Hail, wind and winter on the Plains

NOAA's Kansas climate summary describes the state as a place where cold, dry northern air meets warm, moist Gulf air, so "severe thunderstorms are common," with large hail, high winds and tornadoes among the results. Average winter temperature statewide is 33.0°F, and the long-term average of extremely hot days (100°F or higher) is 13 a year.

For a hitch lift, that means a scooter or chair riding outside the vehicle is exposed to whatever the sky delivers. A cover helps, and several Harmar lifts list one as an option. An interior hoist keeps the device inside the vehicle instead, at the cost of cargo space. Summer heat is another reason to check that plate lamps and tail lamps on any added lighting kit are working before a long drive.

Four ways to carry a mobility device in Kansas

• Heavy scooter on a hitch. The Harmar AL100HD takes up to 400 lb with powered lifting and folding, needs a Class III hitch or higher, and comes with a license plate mount in the box.
• A lift that rolls on its own wheels. The Bruno ASL-700 Chariot carries up to 350 lb on its own suspension rather than the car's hitch alone, and its lights include a license plate holder, brake and running lights and turn signals.
• Keep the device inside. The Harmar AL425 is a 2-axis hoist that mounts in the cargo area of a van, SUV or truck, lifts 400 lb, and leaves the backup camera usable.
• A pickup with a tailgate. The Harmar AL435T Tailgater reaches 43 in to the curb or over a 24 in tailgate and lifts up to 400 lb; it installs on the passenger side only.

Your vehicle's hitch class and tongue weight rating often decide which hitch lift is possible, so have those numbers handy when you compare.

Assistive technology help in Kansas

Assistive Technology for Kansans is the state AT program listed by the AT3 Center. ATK offers a statewide device loan program, demonstrations, and refurbished devices through the Kansas Equipment Exchange, and the AT3 directory lists a financial loan contact. It can be a useful place to compare mobility devices before you size a lift around one.

Ordering and delivery to Kansas

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Orders ship to the lower 48 states and DC, free over $500 and $15 under $500, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days, though some brands differ. Details are on shipping to Kansas, and the vehicle lift fit check narrows the choices.

Questions about vehicle lifts in Kansas

Can a hitch lift block my license plate in Kansas?

It can, and Kansas law requires the plate to be clearly visible. K.S.A. 8-133(c) says the plate must be fastened at least 12 inches from the ground "in a place and position to be clearly visible" and kept clearly legible. Many lifts include a license plate mount so the plate can be moved where it can be seen.

Do I need a front plate if my rear plate is behind a lift?

For most passenger cars, no front plate is allowed. K.S.A. 8-133(a) says a Kansas registered vehicle "shall not have a license plate attached to the front," except for listed classes such as truck tractors and some personalized plates. The answer for a blocked rear plate is to relocate it, not to move it forward.

Does the plate need its own light in Kansas?

Yes. K.S.A. 8-1706(c) requires a white lamp that makes the rear plate "clearly legible from a distance of fifty (50) feet to the rear," wired to light whenever the headlamps are on. If a lift or relocated bracket moves the plate, the light needs to follow it.

Will Kansas vocational rehabilitation pay for a vehicle lift?

It may, when the lift is needed for an employment plan. The DCF Rehabilitation Services policy manual says vehicle modification "may be provided if necessary to enable the individual to participate in IPE services or achieve an employment outcome," with an overall cap of $13,500 for the life of the case. A counselor decides each case.

Browse the full vehicle lift collection, use the fit check to match a lift to your vehicle and device, or try the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• K.S.A. 8-133, display of license plate (Kansas Legislature)
• K.S.A. 8-1706, tail lamps (Kansas Legislature)
• Kansas DCF Rehabilitation Services Policy Manual, Part 22: Vehicle Modifications, Purchase and Repair
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries 2022: Kansas
• Faith Mobility product page: Harmar AL100HD
• Faith Mobility product page: Bruno ASL-700 Chariot
• Faith Mobility product page: Harmar AL425
• Faith Mobility product page: Harmar AL435T Tailgater
• AT3 Center: State AT programs directory (Kansas)
• Assistive Technology for Kansans