Are you the kind of driver who always keeps your eyes peeled for those flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror? Do you worry about what would happen if you accumulate too many points on your driving record? In Wisconsin, like in most states, an accumulation of points can ultimately lead to losing your license altogether.
Generally speaking, 12 points or more accrued within a year is grounds for a license suspension. If you are nearing or have surpassed this number, consult an experienced Wisconsin traffic attorney to assess your options for maintaining your driving privileges.
Wisconsin’s Point System
In Wisconsin, the Department of Transportation (DOT) uses a point system to track drivers’ infractions. Each violation is worth a certain number of points, depending on the severity of the offense. For example, a speeding ticket may be worth 3 points, while a DUI is worth 4 points.
If you accumulate 12 or more points within a year, WisDOT may send you a notice that your driving privileges are in jeopardy. Your next course of action in this event should be to contact a traffic lawyer, as they will be able to represent your interests in court and defend your right to drive in Wisconsin.
The following table breaks down the points associated with common traffic offenses in Wisconsin:
| Offense | Points |
| Careless or reckless driving, street racing | 6 points |
| Speeding 1-10 mph over the limit | 3 points |
| Speeding 11 – 19 mph over the speed limit | 4 points |
| Speeding 20 miles or more over the speed limit | 6 points |
| Making an improper turn or pass | 3 points |
| Passing a stopped school bus with lights flashing | 4 points |
| Operating while intoxicated (OWI/DUI) | 4 points |
| Driving the wrong way on a one-way street | 3 points |
| Driving on the wrong side of the road | 4 points |
| Inattentive/distracted driving | 4 points |
| Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle (firetruck, ambulance, or police vehicle) | 4 points |
12 or more points on your license within a one-year period will lead to a license suspension if not addressed in collaboration with an experienced Winnebago or Fond du Lac traffic ticket lawyer. The length of time of the potential license suspension depends on the number of points accrued.
| 12 – 16 points | Two month suspension |
| 17 – 22 points | Four month suspension |
| 23 – 30 points | Six month suspension |
| 30 or more points | One year suspension |
If you have a probationary driver’s license or a driver’s permit, you may be subject to a 6-month license suspension if you accrue between 12 and 30 points. If you have more than 30 points, your license may be suspended for one year.
Even The Most Responsible Drivers Sometimes Make Mistakes
Driving is a privilege that comes with responsibility, but even the most responsible drivers sometimes make mistakes on Wisconsin roads. If the number of points on your record is nearing the danger zone, discuss your situation with a Wisconsin traffic attorney to avoid the disruption of a license suspension or revocation.
