Wisconsin

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Wisconsin. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

  • Alcohol Impaired Driving

    Penalties

    Increased Penalty for High BAC Administrative License Suspension on First Offense Limited Driving Privileges During Suspension
    .17, .20 and .25 6-9 months Yes

    Ignition Interlocks

    Mandatory for high BAC (.15 or higher) and repeat convictions

    Other

    Open Container Laws Repeat Offender Laws
    Yes Yes
  • Child Passenger Safety

    Child Restraint Required

    Under 1 yrs or under 20 lbs in rear-facing child restraint

    1-3 yrs and 20-40 lbs must be in either a rear- or forward-facing child restraint

    4-7 yrs and 40-80 lbs and under 57" tall must be in either rear- or forward-facing child restraint or booster seat

    Under 4 years and less than 40 lbs, or if the child is in a rear-or forward-facing child restraint, they must be in a rear seat if available

    Adult Safety Belt Permissible

    8 yrs or over or more than 80 lbs or taller than 57"

  • Distracted Driving

    Hand-Held Ban?

    No, except in work zones.

    All Cell Phone Ban?

    School Bus Drivers

    No

    Novice Drivers

    Drivers with learner or intermediate license. Primary law.

    Text Messaging Ban?

    All drivers. Primary law.

  • Drug Impaired Driving

    DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

    • Zero tolerance for some drugs.

    Marijuana-Specific Laws

    • Possession and Use: Illegal
    • Impaired Driving: Zero tolerance for delta-9-THC
  • Mature Drivers

    Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

    8 years

    Provisions for Mature Drivers

    None

  • Motorcyclists

    Helmets required for riders under 18 or with instructional permit. Universal helmet law repealed 1978.

  • Seat Belts

    Type of Law

    Primary

    Who Is Covered?

    8 and over

    In What Seat?

    All

  • Speed and Red Light Cameras

    Speed Cameras

    Prohibited

    Red Light Cameras

    No state law or programs

  • Speeding and Aggressive Driving

    Rural Interstates

    Cars (MPH) Trucks (MPH)
    70 70

    Urban Interstates

    Cars (MPH) Trucks (MPH)
    70 70

    Other Limited Access Roads

    Cars (MPH) Trucks (MPH)
    70 70
  • Teen and Novice Drivers

    Full Privilege Minimum Age

    16 years, 9 months

    Learner Stage

    Minimum Age (Years/Months)

    Minimum Duration (Months)

    Required Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours)
    15 / 6 6 30 (10)

    Intermediate Stage

    Minimum Age (Years/Months)

    		 Nighttime Driving Restriction

    Passenger Restriction (except family, unless noted)
    16 Midnight - 5 a.m. No more than 1