Wisconsin DUI Laws

Wisconsin wants to send a clear message to all drivers in the state – Don’t Drink and Drive or you will suffer the consequences! For first offenses, you will automatically lose your license, and you could spend up to 6 months or more in jail. Drunk driving convictions in the state of Wisconsin will also result in mandatory immobilization of your vehicle or ignition interlock.

If you are caught and convicted of DUI in the state of Wisconsin with a child under the age of 16, all penalties will be doubled. In addition, the state of Wisconsin has a zero tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of Wisconsin?

In the state of Wisconsin, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the state of Wisconsin what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of Wisconsin, if you get arrested for DUI, the administrative license suspension time for a first offense is 6 months days. Under administrative license suspension, the drivers’ license will be taken before conviction when he either fails or refuses to be tested for alcohol or drugs. During the 6-month revocation period, the driver may obtain a limited license. It is up to the courts to determine how soon each individual driver can request a limited license during the revocation period.

In the state of Wisconsin, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

In the state of Wisconsin, first DUI offenses will cost you $300 in fines, and license suspension for a minimum of 6 months. Second DUI convictions will result in jail time ranging from a minimum 5 days up to 180 days or more, fines ranging from $350-$1,100, and your license will be suspended for no less than 12 months. In addition, all vehicles that you have access to or that are registered in your name will be subject to immobilization or interlock.

Third DUI convictions in the state of Wisconsin carry a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days up to 12 months. In addition, your driver’s license will be suspended for no less than 12 months, and all vehicles will be subject to immobilization or interlock. All DUI offenses in the state of Wisconsin are subject to an additional “driver improvement surcharge” of $355.