Dealing with a Suspended License in Wisconsin

A license suspension, revocation, or cancellation can have detrimental repercussions for a driver who depends on driving for work, school, or family responsibilities. In the state of Wisconsin there are many different way for a driver to have his or her license suspended, revoked, or cancelled. The accumulation of 12 demerit points within a one-year period results in a two-month driver record suspension. Points for a ticket very from 0 to 6 depending on the severity of the violation. A ticket for speeding 20 over or more results in 6 points being assessed against the driver's record. Other 6-point offenses include speeding 11-19 over, inattentive driving, failure to yield right of way, too fast for conditions, unsafe lane deviation, and operating left of center. The points for a second or subsequent violation for a driver with a probationary license will double. If a probationary driver accumulates 12 points, there is a 6-month driver license suspension.

Drivers who do not have 12 points on their driving record are not exempt from losing their licenses. There are automatic revocation periods for driving while intoxicated or under the influence, fleeing an officer, refusing to submit to a chemical test, and others. Suspensions are mandatory under numerous situations including when a motorist is convicted of speeding 25 mph or more over the limit in a 55 mph or higher zone, when a person under the age of 21 is convicted of violating the absolute sobriety law, and when a court orders a suspension for failure to pay a fine. Most surprising is Sec. 343.30(1) which provides that a court "may suspend a person's operating privileges for any period not exceeding one year upon such person's conviction in such court of violating any of the state traffic laws or any local ordinance enacted under Ch. 349." That's right - a judge can impose a suspension of up to one year for any traffic violation!

The length of the suspension or revocation can be quite substantial. There is a 5-year revocation for a motorist convicted of 4 major or 12 minor offenses within a 5-year period. Wisconsin residents facing some suspensions or revocations are eligible immediately for an occupational license while convictions for other violations prevent the motorist from applying for various lengths of time including a 2-year wait upon being declared a Habitual Traffic Offender and a 1-year wait upon being convicted of operating under the influence if any prior violation(s) have violation dates within 5 years of each other.

Drivers who are facing a license suspension should consult with an attorney who specializes in traffic law. Because the loss of a license can have such damaging effects, you should work with a professional who understands the legal system and can successfully defend your ability to continue to drive a motor vehicle.