If you’ve ever been stopped for speeding or another moving violation in Wisconsin, you’re probably already familiar with driver’s license points. Under this system, demerit points are assigned to your driver’s license for each moving violation for which you are convicted, in addition to other fines and penalties.
The number of points that are assigned to your license in Wisconsin depends upon both the violation, itself, and your license type. Once you accumulate a certain number of points on your Wisconsin license, you risk suspension of your driving privileges.
If you’re wondering how many demerit points it takes before your driving privileges are suspended, the answer is 12 points within 12 months. However, the length of time the suspension to your driver’s license will last depends upon the type of operator’s license you have been issued and the number of points on your license.
This article will explain the range of suspension times to various Wisconsin driving licenses, including: instructional permit, probationary license, commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a standard (or regular) driver’s license, including a motorcycle license.
To learn more about the how many points are assigned for traffic violations, read the article, “Understanding Wisconsin’s Point System for Moving Violations” by The Fitzgerald Law Firm.
Suspension of Driving Privileges
Depending on how many points you accumulate on your driver’s license within a 12-month period, you risk suspension of your privilege to drive in Wisconsin for some length of time. The amount of points required to reach this threshold depends upon your type of drivers’ license.
Wisconsin Probational Driver License or Instructional Permit Suspension Times
If you have a probationary license or an instructional permit from the state of Wisconsin, you face the following point schedule:
- 6 month suspension for 12-30 points
- 1 year suspension for more than 30 points
If you do not have a driver’s license of any kind, you will also be assigned these penalties.
If you are a student who depends upon your ability to drive to get to school or work, it would be in your best interest to consult a knowledgeable attorney to explore your options prior to relinquishing your window to challenge the ticket.
CDL and Regular Driver’s License Suspension Times in Wisconsin
If you have a standard Wisconsin driver’s license (including a motorcycle license) or a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you face the following point schedule:
- 2 month suspension for 12-16 points
- 4 month suspension for 17-22 points
- 6 month suspension for 23-30 points
- 1 year suspension for more than 30 points
Should your driver’s license be suspended or revoked and you need to drive for work, you may be eligible for a Wisconsin occupational driver’s license.
If you rely on driving for your livelihood, contact a defense attorney who is experienced in challenging traffic tickets for clients, in order to give you the best chance at avoiding suspension of your operating privileges.
If 12 Points Seems Like a Lot…
The Wisconsin point system carries more weight once you understand how easy it could be to start accumulating points.
It is possible to accumulate enough points in just one traffic stop to have your license suspended. For example, if you were stopped for speeding 20 miles over the limit while texting, that could be more than enough for you to lose your driving privileges:
- Speeding 20 or more miles over the limit – 6 points
- Inattentive driving due to texting – 4 points
- Following too closely – 3 points
That one stop would have resulted in at least 13 points, depending on other circumstances–1 point more than the 12 points required to suspend your operating privileges.
Read, “4 Reasons to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Wisconsin” by The Fitzgerald Law Firm for more information.
Consider Challenging your Ticket
There are many penalties for traffic violations like speeding in Wisconsin. It’s important to understand there are consequences beyond the fine amount of your ticket, including points on your license, being required to go to traffic school, suspension of your license and even higher insurance premiums.
What many people do not realize is when you fail to contest or challenge your speeding ticket or other traffic tickets for moving violations in Wisconsin, you are automatically pleading guilty to those violations and will be assigned the accompanying penalties.
Before immediately paying traffic tickets, take a moment to review the violations. If you believe you did not commit any of the charges and cannot risk the potential consequences those convictions carry, consult an attorney who specializes in traffic law to help explore your options.
It is possible to have your moving violations knocked down or reduced to non-moving violations, though enlisting the assistance of an experienced law firm in Wisconsin should greatly improve your chances of succeeding.
The Fitzgerald Law Firm in Beloit, has fought to help a multitude of drivers do just that: reduce their moving violations to non-moving violations in Wisconsin.
FREE 15-Minute Consultation
If you would like to fight your speeding ticket or other moving violation ticket in Wisconsin, it would be in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in helping clients fight traffic citations and avoiding the impact of Wisconsin point system.
Committed to fighting hard to assist clients in their fight against traffic tickets in Wisconsin, The Fitzgerald Law Firm is proud to offer a no-obligation, FREE 15-minute consultation to discuss your case and explore options for your defense.
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