Can Traffic Violations Lead to License Suspension in Wisconsin?

 Posted on September 22, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Receiving a traffic ticket can be a stressful experience. Being pulled over by a police officer can be frightening enough, and once a ticket is issued, you may be concerned about how it may affect you in the future. In addition to being required to pay fines, your car insurance rates may increase. If you have received multiple traffic violations, you may even be worried that you could lose your license. By understanding Wisconsin’s laws regarding traffic violations, you can determine what penalties you may face. An experienced attorney can help you understand how to defend against the suspension of your license and address any other related legal issues.

Traffic Violations That Can Result in License Suspension or Revocation

There are several types of violations that can result in license suspension in Wisconsin:

• Operating while intoxicated (OWI): If you are arrested for drunk driving and fail or refuse to take a chemical blood alcohol test. If you are convicted of OWI, your license will be revoked.
• Excessive speeding: Violating the speed limit by at least 25 miles per hour will result in a 15-day license suspension.
• Fleeing an officer: Purposely attempting to flee from or elude law enforcement will typically result in a license revocation.
• Injuring or killing someone in a car accident: A conviction for vehicular homicide or causing great bodily harm due to reckless driving will typically result in a license revocation.
• Passing a stopped emergency vehicle: Failing to act safely to avoid accidents and prevent injuries when a police car, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the road will result in a license suspension. If an accident results in property damage, your license may be suspended for 90 days to one year. An accident that caused bodily harm will result in a suspension of 180 days to two years. A two-year suspension will apply if a person was killed in an accident.

The Point System in Wisconsin

If you are convicted of a traffic violation that is not serious enough to warrant a license suspension or revocation, you will have demerit points added to your driving record. If you accumulate a certain number of points within a 12-month period, your license may be suspended. Some examples of points that may be assigned for different violations include:

• Illegal turn: three points
• Tailgating: three points
• Failure to signal properly: three points
• Running a red light or stop sign: three points
• Illegal lane change: four points
• Distracted or inattentive driving (including texting while driving): four points
• Failure to yield right of way: four points
• Failure to stop for a school bus: four points
• Speeding 1-10 miles per hour over the speed limit: three points
• Speeding 11-19 miles per hour over the speed limit: four points
• Speeding 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit: six points

If you accumulate at least 12 demerit points within a 12-month period, your license will be suspended. A total of 12 to 16 points will lead to a two-month suspension. 17 to 22 points will result in a four-month suspension. 23 to 30 points will lead to a six-month suspension. 31 or more points will result in a one-year suspension.

Contact Our Waukesha County Traffic Violation Defense Lawyer

If you are facing a possible license suspension due to traffic violations in Wisconsin, it is crucial to consult with an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf. At Bucher Law Group, LLC, our Dodge County traffic ticket attorney can assist you in contesting violations and defending against the loss of your license. We will help you understand the options available to you, including whether you may be able to reduce the points on your license by taking traffic safety classes. 

Do not let a traffic ticket result in the loss of your driver's license. Contact us today at 262-303-4916 to set up a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in protecting your ability to drive.