Wisconsin · Handbook chapter 10 · 5 min read

The Wisconsin demerit point system and doubled points for new drivers, suspension at 12 points, habitual traffic offenders, occupational licenses, reinstatement, seat belts and child seats, insurance, medical reporting and accessible testing.

Why this chapter matters

Keeping your license depends on a clean record. Wisconsin's point rules are stricter for new drivers, and questions on the 12-point limit, seat belts, child seats and insurance often appear on the knowledge test.

The demerit point system

• Your driving record starts at zero points. A conviction for breaking a traffic law can add demerit points.
• If you hold an instruction permit or probationary license, or no license at all, your points are doubled on your second and later convictions for moving violations.
• 12 or more points within any 12-month period means your driving privilege is suspended or revoked. The DMV's point system page gives the lengths. For instruction permit and probationary license holders (and people never licensed), 12 to 30 points in 12 months brings a six-month suspension, and more than 30 points brings one year. Regular license holders face a sliding scale: two months for 12 to 16 points, four months for 17 to 22, six months for 23 to 30 and one year for more than 30.
• Probationary drivers also have their GDL restrictions extended six months after a moving violation conviction (see Chapter 1).

Habitual traffic offenders

You become a habitual traffic offender if you are convicted of four or more major traffic violations or 12 or more minor violations within five years. Your license is revoked for five years. You may be able to get an occupational license after a two-year wait.

Occupational license

If your privilege is suspended or revoked, you may qualify for an occupational license. It lets you drive up to 12 hours a day and 60 hours a week, to and from work, school and places needed to run your household, such as the grocery store, medical appointments and your Intoxicated Driver Program assessment. You must show proof of financial responsibility (insurance). You do not need a Wisconsin license to lose your Wisconsin driving privilege.

Reinstatement

A revoked or suspended license can be reinstated after the period ends. You may need to file proof of financial responsibility, show proof of identity and pay a reinstatement fee.

Seat belts and child seats

• Wisconsin law requires you and every passenger, of any age, to wear a seat belt. Wear it even if the vehicle has air bags.
• The lap belt fits snugly across your hip bones, below your stomach. The shoulder belt crosses your chest. You should be able to fit your fist between the belt and your chest. Never put the shoulder belt under your arm or let it hang loose.
• Children generally ride in a child safety seat until age 4 and in a booster seat until age 8. Follow the seat's manual for weight and height limits.

Insurance

You must have valid liability insurance to drive in Wisconsin and show proof when a police officer asks. If you drive someone else's car, it is your job to make sure it is insured. Drivers from another state may show proof from their own state's insurer.

Medical conditions and accessibility

• Report health conditions that could affect your driving on the Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001).
• You may disclose an invisible disability on form MV2167; the disclosure is available to law enforcement and WisDOT staff.
• The knowledge and signs tests are offered with audio and in several languages.

Other useful facts

• A free ID card for voting is available to U.S. citizens aged 17 or older, using a petition process if documents are missing.
• Save fuel by carpooling, riding a bike, taking a bus or walking, and avoid stop-and-go traffic. Slowing down gradually saves fuel and brakes, and low tire pressure cuts fuel mileage.
• The Driver Education Grant Program pays for classroom and behind-the-wheel training for income-eligible teens.
• At 18 or older, your decision to register as an organ and tissue donor cannot be overridden by your family.