The Wisconsin driver point system assesses penalty points accumulated on a driving record for traffic offenses committed while operating a motor vehicle. The number of driver violation points in WI may vary depending on the type and severity of the traffic offense you have committed and on the number of previous convictions you had.

Accumulating an excessive number of infraction points will bring you harsh penalties in the form of a suspension of your driving privileges, imprisonment and higher traffic fines. Find out more about how to clean your driving record and how to fight a traffic ticket in Wisconsin by reading the sections below:

• Moving violations and points in Wisconsin
• Penalties in Wisconsin
• How to fix a driving record in Wisconsin
• Disputing a moving violation charge in Wisconsin

Moving Violations and Points in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin DMV point system was created by the state Department of Transportation (DOT) for the purpose of assessing demerit points accrued as a result of committing traffic offenses while operating motor vehicles on public roads. Moving violation points are assigned based on the level of severity of an infraction and the type of credential possessed, such as non-commercial, commercial or motorcycle license.

The driving license points in Wisconsin result from traffic offenses, some of which are listed below:

• Attempting to escape from an officer – 6 points.
• Driving under the influence (DU) of intoxicant or drugs – 6 points.
• Reckless driving – 6 points.
• Speeding over the limit – 3 to 6 points.
• Failing to yield right of way – 4 points.
• Operating without a valid driver’s license – 3 points.
• Obstructing traffic – 2 points.

Penalties in Wisconsin

Traffic violation points in WI are accrued on a driving record and will remain there for a specified period of time depending on state laws and regulations. Accumulating too many infraction points on your transcript may bring you harsh penalties such as driver’s license suspensions, jail time and high driving fines.

Traffic ticket penalties in Wisconsin may suspend your driving privileges when you accrue 12 or more demerit points in a period of 12 months. The length of your suspension varies depending on the type of credential you possess.

Moreover, the amount of driving fines may also vary depending on the type of offense and depending on the court that handles your case.

DUI penalties may result from operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicants and drugs, or from simply refusing to take an alcohol test. The drunk driving penalties in Wisconsin for a first offense include a mandatory payment of traffic fine from $150 to $300 and a surcharge of $365.

In addition, drivers may get a suspension period of six to nine months and possible requirement to install an ignition interlock device (IID). Note that the WI impaired driving penalties for second or subsequent offenses are even harsher than those for a first offense.

How to Fix a Driving Record in Wisconsin

Drivers who wonder how to remove violations from driving record reports need to know that they can enroll in a state-approved Wisconsin traffic school. Completing a driver improvement course may help drivers dismiss their traffic tickets and reduce the number of demerit points from their transcripts.

Licensed drivers who have only one traffic violation and who have not attended a defensive driving course previously are encouraged to enroll in one. You can enroll in a WI point reduction course and reduce three infraction points once in a three-year period.

Disputing a Moving Violation Charge in Wisconsin

Drivers can fight a traffic ticket in Wisconsin by pleading “not guilty” in front of a judge on or before the due date written on their citations. Prior to initiating the procedure of appealing a traffic ticket, drivers need to notify the presiding court of their decision and submit their response through various available methods.

Drivers who are unable to settle their traffic ticket situation during the pretrial session will get a set date from the presiding court. To get better prepared for contesting a traffic ticket, drivers need to prepare evidence as proof of their innocence.

In addition, motorists are encouraged to hire a traffic attorney who will help them win the case in court. Drivers who fail to dispute a speeding ticket in Wisconsin will be proclaimed as guilty as charged and will have to pay the entire driving fine as well as additional court costs.

Remember that if you plan to contest traffic ticket citations in court, you must not pay the traffic fine because that will be considered as admission of guilt and you will automatically lose the case.

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