Wisconsin · Handbook chapter 8 · 4 min read

Chapter 8: Alcohol, drugs, distraction and drowsiness

Wisconsin OWI rules: the 0.08 limit, 0.04 for commercial drivers, absolute sobriety under 21 and for permit holders, controlled substances, implied consent and refusal, plus the cell phone rule for new drivers, headphones and drowsy driving.

Why this chapter matters

Impaired, distracted and drowsy driving are among the most dangerous things a driver can do, and Wisconsin's limits are short, exact numbers that test writers love. Learn the limits, the under-21 rule and the cell phone rule for permit and probationary drivers.

How alcohol and drugs affect you

Alcohol and drugs change how you think and make decisions. You misjudge distance, speed and the movement of other vehicles, and your chance of a crash rises. It is illegal to drive under the influence of any drug, including prescription and non-prescription medicine.

• Studies show people who use marijuana make more mistakes while driving.
• Check the label on any medicine. A warning not to operate heavy machinery includes driving a car.
• Only time sobers you up. Plan a ride with a sober friend or family member, or ask a bartender to call you a cab.

Wisconsin alcohol limits

Wisconsin calls the limit the prohibited alcohol concentration (PAC).

• Drivers under 21 must keep absolute sobriety: no alcohol in their system at all while driving.
• Instruction permit holders must also keep absolute sobriety at all times.
• A detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in your blood counts as operating while intoxicated, and any amount of a controlled substance is treated as impaired driving.
• A first OWI brings a forfeiture and license revocation; repeat offenses can bring prison and even lifetime revocation.

Implied consent

If a law enforcement officer asks you to take a test for alcohol, by breath or blood, you are required to take it. If you refuse, the officer must arrest you for violating the Implied Consent Law, and you lose your driving privilege for at least one year, along with other consequences.

Distracted driving

Keep your mind and eyes on the road.

• Instruction permit and probationary license holders may use a cell phone only to report an emergency.
• Regular license holders should avoid phone use while driving; if you must, use a hands-free option, or better, pull over safely.
• Do not wear headsets or headphones that cover or go in both ears. Keep the radio low enough to hear emergency vehicles.
• Pull over to read directions. Eat when you are parked.
• Put pets in a carrier or have a passenger hold them. Do not hang objects from the mirror or cover windows with decals.
• In a work zone, a phone may be used only to report an emergency.

Drowsy driving

Drowsiness comes from too little sleep, an untreated sleep disorder or a long work shift. Teen and young adult drivers face a greater risk of drowsy-driving crashes. Get a good night's sleep before driving, and pull over and rest if you:

• keep yawning or blinking;
• drift out of your lane; or
• hit the rumble strip at the side of the road.