What Are the Penalties for Distracted Driving in Wisconsin?

 Posted on October 15, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Drivers are required to follow a multitude of traffic laws, and these laws are meant to ensure that people act safely while behind the wheel and protect others from harm. There are many different types of traffic violations that may cause a police officer to pull a driver over and issue a traffic ticket. Distracted driving is an offense that is commonly committed by drivers, and those who have been charged with this type of violation will need to understand the specific laws that apply to them and the possible penalties that they may face.

Wisconsin Laws Addressing Inattentive Driving

Distracted driving can take many forms. In Wisconsin, drivers are prohibited from engaging in any activities that interfere with their ability to operate a vehicle safely. These activities may include anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as eating food, drinking beverages, engaging in conversations with passengers, turning around to attend to children, reaching for objects in the vehicle, or adjusting a car’s radio, environmental controls, or the position of a seat.

While the distracted driving laws may apply for multiple types of distractions, they specifically address the use of cell phones or other electronic devices. Drivers are prohibited from texting while driving, which includes using a phone or another device to write or send text messages or emails. While drivers are allowed to make phone calls while driving, they cannot hold a phone or an accessory connected to a phone in their hands, and they can only make or answer calls by pressing a single button.

While driving, a person cannot observe an electronic device that is being used for the purposes of visual entertainment. However, these types of devices can be used by passengers, as long as they are not visible to the driver. Drivers are also permitted to use GPS navigation systems or electronic devices that provide information about weather, road conditions, and traffic, as well as devices that allow them to monitor passengers in a car’s back seats or provide them with a better view of the sides or rear of the vehicle.

A violation of distracted driving laws is generally treated as a traffic violation. The fine for a violation involving phone calls or most other uses of electronic devices is $20 to $40 for a first offense and $50 to $100 for a second offense within one year. Violations for texting while driving or other forms of inattentive driving may result in a fine of $20 to $400. A person may face additional penalties or criminal charges if distracted driving results in an accident that causes another person to be injured or killed.

Contact Our Jefferson County Traffic Ticket Lawyers

While a traffic ticket may seem like a nuisance, drivers may face serious consequences if they are convicted of multiple violations within a single year. At Bucher Law Group, LLC, we can help drivers determine their best options for addressing these violations, ensuring that they will be able to avoid the potential suspension of their driver’s license or other penalties that may affect their ability to drive. Contact our Racine County traffic violation attorneys and schedule a free consultation by calling 262-303-4916.

Sources:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.89

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.95