{"id":377271,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/wisconsin-law\/what-are-the-wisconsin-owi-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-03-16T00:14:27","modified_gmt":"2024-03-16T05:14:27","slug":"what-are-the-wisconsin-owi-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/wisconsin-law\/what-are-the-wisconsin-owi-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Wisconsin OWI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wisconsin OWI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Driving while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs or alcohol, presents a significant public safety issue in Wisconsin. Wisconsin takes a comprehensive stance on impaired driving. A conviction includes substance abuse assessments, treatment, and education to help prevent repeat offenses.<\/p>\r\n

Driving any vehicle while intoxicated is dangerous, not only for you but for everyone around you. In 2022, the court system convicted over 22,000<\/a> operating while intoxicated or OWI offenses. The state also saw alcohol as a factor in 34% of all traffic fatalities<\/a> in 2021.<\/p>\r\n

Below are details about Wisconsin’s OWI laws and penalties, with links to additional resources<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.00%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.15%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Select Penalties<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a> (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense)<\/td>\r\n6 months \/ 1 year \/ 2 years<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Alcohol Education, Assessment and Treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nBoth<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nNo<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note:<\/b> State laws can change through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Wisconsin OWI Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Wisconsin law prohibits anyone from driving or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of:<\/p>\r\n