photo by: Journal-World File

Traffic heads west on 15th Street between Iowa Street and Kasold Drive in this file photo.

City staff is recommending an increase in fines for traffic infractions and speeding for the first time in more than a decade, and the Lawrence City Commission will be considering it at its meeting on Tuesday.

A report in the commission’s meeting agenda from Municipal Court Administrator Vicki Stanwix said the proposed increase would be the first recommended by staff since 2013 and would “align with fine amounts charged by peer communities.”

The recommendations would change the penalties in a couple of ways. First, the minimum fine for many traffic infractions in Lawrence would go up.

Currently, city ordinance states that fines for traffic offenses, with some exceptions, “shall not be less than $80 nor more than $400.” The new schedule would raise that minimum by $20, to $100.

Additionally, the penalties for speeding would go up for people driving between 10 and 30 mph over the posted speed limit.

The fines gradually get bigger the faster the driver was going. Currently, going 10 mph over is an $80 fine in a normal zone, and going 30 mph over is a $245 fine. Under the proposed new schedule, going 10 mph over would be a $90 fine, and going 30 mph over would be a $290 fine. As under the current schedule, the fines would still be double in work zones.

Stanwix’s report said no increases were proposed for parking fines or court costs.

The changes are part of the commission’s consent agenda, a group of items that the commission can vote on in a single motion. If approved, they will go into effect at the start of 2026.

The Lawrence City Commission meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St.