Wisconsin Traffic Laws

Staying informed on Wisconsin's state traffic laws is crucial for safe and lawful driving. This is true for both new drivers and experienced motorists. This article offers an essential guide for Wisconsin drivers. It outlines the general rules for behind the wheel and state statutes for specific traffic offenses.

The state motorist handbooks and vehicle statutes provide the most comprehensive traffic information:

• Wisconsin Motorist Handbooks
• Wisconsin Statutes — Vehicles (Chapters 340-351)

Use the table at the end of this page for specific Wisconsin statutes for common citations and serious traffic violations. Learn the rules for:

• Speed limits for freeways, divided highways, and other roadways
• Driver's license issuance, suspension, and revocation
• Special rules for construction zones, railroad crossings, school zones, and school crossings
• Crossing paths with an authorized emergency vehicle or school bus
• Common traffic control signals like stop lights, yield signs, stop signs, and crosswalk signals
• Serious traffic offenses like driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving
• Parking tickets and other non-moving violations
• Yielding to walking pedestrians, bicyclists, and mobility devices
• Basic rules of the road, like who has the right-of-way, overtaking vehicles, left turns, and traffic lanes
• Other traffic regulations

Resources for Wisconsin Motorists

The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees driver licensing, registration plates, and vehicle titles. You can also:

• Request your driving record
• Report a crash to the police department, county sheriff, or traffic department
• Resolve unpaid parking tickets, towing, and storage fees

Find real-time traffic updates and information for Wisconsin highways through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Drivers can also use this for weather updates, road conditions, construction closures, and more.

State-sponsored mobile apps make it easier for motorists to access important travel info:

• The 511 Wisconsin app provides traffic and road conditions, custom traffic alerts, and more.
• New drivers can use the Wisconsin DMV Driver Practice Test app to prepare for the learner's permit test. Experienced drivers can also use this app to refresh their driving and safety skills.
• The Commercial Driver License (CDL) Practice Knowledge Test app helps prospective commercial drivers prepare for the knowledge test. CDL holders can also use this app to review basic commercial driver safety.

Table of Wisconsin Statutes for Common Travel Violations

Below are definitions, provisions, and penalties for common traffic violations in Wisconsin.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

Issued a Traffic Citation? Talk to a Wisconsin Traffic Law Attorney

If a Wisconsin law enforcement officer cited you for a traffic violation, get legal help. Even common citations (like speeding in a motor vehicle or running a stop sign) can go on your driving record and affect your car insurance premiums. Serious offenses (like a DUI or leaving the scene of an accident) have even more significant repercussions.

An attorney familiar with Wisconsin motor vehicle traffic laws can help.

Working with an attorney can ease the impact of your driving offense. It can save you money in fines, and prevent a driver's license suspension. Contact a local traffic law attorney to learn more.