Wisconsin’s Driving Point System
In many cases in life, gaining points is considered a positive occurrence. From sports games, to store reward systems, to competitions of any sort, people typically aim to collect points. However, points being added to your driving record is not a situation that anyone hopes for.
An OWI conviction in particular causes a substantial addition of points to your driving record. This makes it more likely your license will be suspended. In order to ensure you practice greater caution when you are behind the wheel, it is important to inform yourself on the consequences of the Wisconsin driving point system. Being informed on the law will make it less likely that you put yourself in a position that leads to an OWI.
How Does the Wisconsin Driving Point System Work?
If you commit a moving traffic violation, demerit points are added to your driving record. The amount of demerit points added varies, depending on the severity of the offense.
How Many Demerit Points Does a Wisconsin OWI Conviction Add to My Record?
If you are convicted of an OWI six points will be added to your driver’s license. Other moving traffic violations that result in six points being added to your driving record include:
-attempting to elude an officer
-failure to carry out legal duty to stop after an accident
-driving recklessly
-speeding at or above 20 mph over the legal limit
-violating of occupational license
How Many Points Lead to a License Suspension in Wisconsin?
In the case of a regular and commercial driver’s licenses, the accumulation of 12 or more points during a period of 12 months will lead to a suspension of your license. The amount of time your license is suspended for depends on the amount of points you have accumulated:
- 12-16 points– suspension for 2 months
- 17-22 points– suspension for 4 months
- 23-30 points– suspension for 6 months
- More than 30 points- suspension for 1 year
How Can an OWI Impact My Life?
Aside from a possible license suspension, an OWI conviction results in a criminal record. It can also result in fines, jail time, requirement of an ignition interlock device and mandatory alcohol counseling courses. In order to prevent confrontation with the damaging aftermath of an OWI conviction, you must contact an experienced attorney to protect your rights.
With decades of experience, the criminal defense team at Sparr, Belville & Brown can inform you on your options, which include challenging breath, blood or urine test results. We can also inform you on your rights if you have refused a breath test. These matters are very time-sensitive. It is important to contact an OWI attorney before your charge catches up to you. To schedule a free initial consultation, you call our Oshkosh office at 920-236-3838, or fill out my online intake form.
