WISCONSIN DUI/ DWI
If you are convicted of DUI/DWI, it will result in your license being suspended or revoked. This means that your driving privileges will be taken away and you will need to apply for a reinstatement of your license with the DMV, once the period of suspension or revocation is over. Reinstating a license after a suspension of a year, or revocation will also mean taking the driving tests all over again. These will include the vision test, knowledge test and the road test. If you do not complete the reinstatement requirements, the license will remain suspended or revoked. Persons completing their suspension period without committing further violations may apply for license restoration.
The reinstatement fee of $5 may be mailed or delivered in person to:
Building 3, Room 124
Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25317
Divisions of Motor Vehicle regional offices do not process reinstatement transactions.
WISCONSIN DUI/ DWI REGULATIONS
In Wisconsin, the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit is set at:
0.08% – for drivers over 21 years of age
0.04% – for commercial drivers (CDL)
0.00% – for drivers under 21 years of age
Having a license in the state of Wisconsin automatically renders “implied consent”. “Implied consent” can be used by the officer to test your BAC level if you are stopped on the suspicion of drunk driving, either through a Breathalyzer test or by an actual blood test. Refusing to take the chemical test will result in your license being revoked for 1 year. If you are convicted of DUI/DWI, it is recommended that you get in touch with a DUI/DWI lawyer as they are experts at handling such incidents and can offer you the best advice.
Insurance companies keep a close watch on DUI violations. Your insurance premiums may go up drastically, and you may be labeled a “high-risk” customer. Even worse, your insurance company may cancel your policy, leaving you to search for insurance with the “high-risk” driver tag, meaning you’ll have to pay much higher premiums.
WISCONSIN DUI/ DWI PENALTIES
If convicted of a DUI/ DWI the ramifications include: Heavy Fines, Points on your drivers license, and a License Suspension or Revocation, and higher Insurance Premiums! Points are assessed based on the severity of the offense and the number of convictions. All this information can be found on our website. You could also contact an STA Advisor absolutely FREE!!!
If you are over 21 years old:
1st Offense
- $150 to $300 fine plus an additional surcharge of $365.
- Your license will be revoked for 6 to 9 months.
- 6 points will be added to your driving record.
- You may be immediately eligible for an Occupational License, which allows you to drive to work and back.
- You may also be required to undergo an assessment.
2nd Offense
(within 10 years)
- Imprisonment for 5 days to 6 months and a $350 to $1,100 fine plus an additional surcharge of $365.
- Thirty days of community service may be imposed in lieu of incarceration. Additionally, if convicted for the second offense of DWI, DUID or BAC:
- 6 points will be added to your driving record.
- Your license will be revoked for 12 to 18 months.
- Your vehicle will also be required to be fitted with an ignition interlock device or be immobilized.
- You will be eligible for an occupational license only after 60 days (12 months if 2 or more offenses were detected within 2 years).
- You may also be required to undergo an assessment.
3rd Offense
- Imprisonment for 30 days to 1 year and a $600 to $2,000 fine plus an additional surcharge of $365. Additionally, if convicted for the third offense:
- 6 points will be added to your driving record.
- Your license will be revoked for 2 to 3 years.
- You will be eligible for an occupational license only after 60 days (12 months if 2 or more offenses were detected within 2 years).
- Your vehicle will also be required to be fitted with an ignition interlock device or be immobilized or even seized.
- You may also be required to undergo an assessment.
4th Offense
- Imprisonment for 60 days to 1 year and a $600 to $2,000 fine plus an additional surcharge of $365. Also, if convicted for the fourth offense of DWI, DUID or BAC:
- 6 points will be added to your driving record.
- Your license will be revoked for 2 to 3 years.
- You will be eligible for an occupational license only after 60 days (12 months if 2 or more offenses were detected within 2 years).
- Your vehicle will also be required to be fitted with an ignition interlock device or be immobilized or even seized.
- You may also be required to undergo an assessment.
5th or 6th Offense
(Chronic Offender)
- Imprisonment between 6 months and 6 years and a fine of $600 to $10,000 plus an additional surcharge of $365.
- 6 points will be added to your driving record.
- Your license will be revoked for 2 to 3 years.
- You will be eligible for an occupational license only after 60 days (12 months if 2 or more offenses were detected within 2 years).
- Your vehicle will also be required to be fitted with an ignition interlock device or be immobilized or even seized.
- You may also be required to undergo an assessment.
- The penalties continue to rise to a maximum of 12 and a half years imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000 for the 10th and subsequent offenses.
If you are under 21 years old:
- A driver below 21 testing positive for any detectable level of alcohol will be fined $200 and a 3-month license suspension. They will, however be eligible for an occupational license immediately.
- Apart from these actions, penalties mentioned above for drivers over 21, may also apply to minors if they are convicted of DUI/ DWI.
WISCONSIN PENALTIES FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVERS (CDL)
- Any measurable blood alcohol calls for a fine and 24 hours out of service with license seizure.
- The 1st offense with a BAC between 0.04% and 0.08% entails $150 to $300 forfeiture, 1-year disqualification (3 years if carrying hazardous material at the time of the violation) with license seizure for 24 hours. One can obtain a class D/M occupational license after 15 days.
- A 2nd offense will result in lifelong disqualification together with 5 days to 6 months in jail and a fine of $300 to $1,000.
- Aside from these actions, penalties mentioned above for drivers over 21, may also apply to commercial drivers for their 1st and 2nd offenses of DUI/DWI. The other penalties do not apply since they are barred after the 2nd offense.
(There are additional penalties if death or injury is caused while Operating Under the Influence.)
WISCONSIN LICENSE REINSTATEMENT for DUI/ DWI SUSPENSION & REVOCATION
If you are convicted of DUI/ DWI, it will result in your license being suspended or revoked. This means that your driving privileges will be taken away and you will need to apply for a reinstatement of your license with the DMV, once the period of suspension or revocation is over. Reinstating a license after a suspension of a year, or revocation will also mean taking the driving tests all over again. These will include the vision test, knowledge test and the road test. If you do not complete the reinstatement requirements, the license will remain suspended or revoked.
- After completing the reinstatement requirements, pay the reinstatement fee of $50, and maintain proof of financial responsibility by filing SR-22, if required.
- If you are being convicted for a 2nd time, it is mandatory for the court to order an ignition interlock device to be placed for breathalyzer tests on any vehicle you drive.
You can submit the reinstatement application and fees in person at:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Driver Information Section
4802 Sheboygan Ave., Room 301
P.O. Box 7983
Madison, WI 53707-7983