Suspended – Revoked License in Wisconsin

(SEE BELOW FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) INFORMATION)

There is a difference between having your Wisconsin driver’s license suspended and having it revoked.

• A suspension means you cannot drive for a certain period of time, but can get your license back later.
• A revocation of your license means your driver’s license is cancelled, and you will need to submit to an investigation before you can obtain another license.

Insurance companies keep a close watch on license suspensions / revocations. Your insurance premiums may go up drastically, and you may be labeled a “high-risk” customer. Even worse, your insurance company may cancel your policy, leaving you to search for insurance with the “high-risk” driver tag, meaning you’ll have to pay much higher premiums. It is recommended that you get in touch with a DUI/DWI lawyer as they are experts at handling such incidents and can offer you the best advice. Additionally, you will face Heavy Fines and Reinstatement Fees, and Points on your driver’s license! All this information can be found on our website. You could also contact an STA Advisor absolutely FREE!!!

Mandatory suspensions: This type of suspension is enforced for a specific time period. Once you serve the entire suspension, you may reinstate your Wisconsin driver’s license.

Indefinite suspensions: These suspensions require you to take specific action to remove the suspension. For instance, if you fail to carry Wisconsin car insurance, you can prove you resolved the issue to lift your license suspension. If you obtain car insurance prior to the start date of your suspension, your Wisconsin driver’s license will NOT be suspended.

The following are some of the most common reasons for a Wisconsin driver’s license to be suspended or revoked. Depending on the type of conviction, the Wisconsin DOT will issue various license penalties.

• Excessive Moving Violations: The state of Wisconsin operates on a point system in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 12 or more points on your current driver record within any 12-month period, your license will be suspended.
• Driving Under the Influence: Your Wisconsin driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Wisconsin must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
• Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Wisconsin driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you use someone else’s license (or allow someone else to use your license).
• Failure to Settle a Financial Ruling: made against you for damages relating to a motor vehicle accident.
• Giving False Information: when you apply for a driving license or attempting to change information on your driving license.

Most convictions stay on your record 5 years from the date of the conviction; however, serious offenses (including those involving alcohol-related convictions) stay on your record for 55 years.

If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer. Things to be aware of following a license suspension:

• If your license has not already been taken away from you in court, you must surrender it to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. You can surrender your license in person at a service center or mail it to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Driver Information Section

4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Room 301

P.O. Box 7983

Madison, WI 53707-7983

• While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. However, in some cases you may be eligible for limited driving privileges using an Occupational License. Visit the DMV website or call (608) 261-0368 to see if you are eligible to be issued with an occupational license. You must apply in writing before the beginning of the suspension period and include the fee of $50.

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

If you receive a suspension notice from the DMV, and you wish to challenge the suspension, you may request a hearing in court. An administrative law judge will hear your case, and determine whether your driver’s license should be suspended or not. In addition, drivers whose license may be suspended due to accumulating excessive points may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. Completing a Driver Improvement Program removes two points from the current driving record, and in some cases can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended. If your license is suspended, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer, based on the reason for the suspension.

If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, you may be eligible for a restricted license in the form of an occupational license.An occupational license allows you to drive for specific reasons. The most common use of an occupational license is for driving to and from work. You can check your eligibility status online to see if you have become eligible for application. To apply for an occupational driver’s license, you must:

• Complete an Occupational Operator License Application (form MV3027) and submit it to your local DMV office.
• You will need a sponsor signature if you are under 18 years old.
• Provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.
• Provide your SR22 proof of insurance.
• Bring one of the following methods of payment: cash, check, or major debit/credit card.

NOTE: You may get your photo occupational license the same day you apply; however, in some cases you may need to return the next time the office is open to retrieve it.

To reinstate your suspended license, you must meet requirements issued to you by the DMV and/or the court. If you are unsure about your reinstatement requirements, the Wisconsin DMV offers an online avenue for you to check your eligibility and requirements for reinstatement. Once eligible, you can reinstate your license at your local DMV office. Make sure to arrive at least 90 minutes before the DMV office closes.

If your license has not expired and it’s still in your possession, you may be eligible to reinstate your license:

• BY MAIL:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Driver Information Section

4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Room 301

P.O. Box 7983

Madison, WI 53707-7983

Be sure to include your: Name, Date of Birth, Driver’s License Number, Social Security Number, Your Current Address, Check or Money Order of $60 made out to “Registration Fee Trust” for your reinstatement fee payment. (See “Fees for Suspended WI Driver’s Licenses” below)

• ONLINE: You’ll need your: Driver’s License Number or Wisconsin Driver ID number, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Name, and Gender.

NOTE: You will also need to supply a proof of insurance (SR22) form. A licensed insurance company can supply the form. If you have mislaid your Wisconsin license or it has expired you will need to visit a Division of Motor Vehicles service center. You will need to provide proof of identity and documentary proof that you are a U.S. citizen, legal resident or visitor. You must pay the reinstate fee of $60, together with the $14 replacement license fee or $34 license renewal fee, and supply a proof of insurance (SR22) form.

If your driver’s license is still in your possession and you reinstate your license by mail or online, you may call (608) 264-7133 to check the status of your reinstatement.

Reinstating a suspended or revoked Wyoming license can be an expensive process. Here is a list of general fees you must pay for license reinstatement.

• $60 fee for most reinstatements.
• $200 fee for reinstatements involving OWI-related offenses.

Accepted Methods Of Payment

• Online: Major debit or credit card. Expect to pay a small convenience fee.
• In person: Cash, check, or major credit/ debit card.
• By mail: Check or money order payable to “Registration Fee Trust.”

(See “Reinstate Your WI Driver’s License” above)

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. You are legally required to give notification to your employer within 30 days of any conviction for a traffic violation (unless it is a parking violation). This applies whether you were in a CMV or non-CMV. Also, you must tell your employer within 2 business days if your license was suspended, revoked, or canceled, or your driving privileges have been disqualified.

If you hold a CDL, you can have your license suspended for any of the violation types:

Major Offenses:

Unless otherwise noted, convictions of the following offenses will result in CDL disqualification, whether the offense took place while operating a commercial vehicle or non-CMV:

• Alcohol and drug-related offenses such as driving with a BAC over the legal limit for a CDL (0.04%) or refusing a blood or breathalyzer test, regardless of a court conviction.
• Causing a death due to negligent CMV operation.
• Leaving the scene of an accident.
• Using the commercial vehicle to commit a felony.
• Operating a CMV when you have a suspended, disqualified, or revoked CDL.
• Driving without a valid CDL can lead to heavy fines and even jail time, for both drivers and employers who let their staff drive without valid CDL’s.

Your CDL will be disqualified for life if you are convicted of a felony involving the use of a CMV and the transportation of controlled substances.

Major Offense Penalties:

• 1st offense: 1 year. (3 years if carrying hazardous materials)
• 2nd offense: Lifetime disqualification.

Serious Traffic Violations:

CDL drivers in Wyoming will lose their driving privileges for serious traffic violations:

• Speeding excessively (15 mph over the speed limit) or driving recklessly.
• Changing lanes improperly and illegal passing.
• Following another vehicle too closely.
• Causing a fatality as a result of violating any motor vehicle traffic control law with the exception of parking violations.
• Operating a CMV without a CDL, without a commercial license on your person, or without the proper commercial endorsements.

Serious Traffic Violation Penalties:

• 2nd violation in 3 years: suspension of 60 days.
• 3rd violation in 3 years: suspension of 120 days.

Railroad Crossing Violations:

• Failing to slow your commercial vehicle and check to ensure the tracks are clear.
• Failing to make stops when required.
• Obey a traffic control device or officer.
• Driving across the tracks when the CMV doesn’t have enough space or undercarriage clearance.

Railroad Crossing Violation Penalties:

• 1st violation: suspension minimum of 60 days.
• 2nd violation in 3 years: suspension minimum of 120 days.
• 3rd violation in 3 years: suspension minimum of 1 year.

Any subsequent violations will result in the same penalty of 1 year.

Out-of-Service Violations:

Violation of an out-of-service order, will result in the following disqualifications:

• 1st violation: 90 days. (180 days if transporting hazardous materials OR 16 passengers or more.)
• 2nd violation in 10 years: 2 years. (3 years if transporting hazardous materials.)
• 3rd violation in 10 years: 3 years.

The WI DOT provides a detailed list of CDL disqualifications and their related penalties.

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

Driving under the influence of alcohol will result in the suspension of ALL your driving privileges including your Wisconsin CDL, regardless of the type of vehicle you were driving at the time. Additionally, Your WI CDL will be disqualified if you:

• Test for blood-alcohol concentration over the CDL legal limit, regardless of a criminal court conviction.
• Refuse to test for BAC.
• Are criminally convicted for DUI/ OWI.

OWI suspensions by the DMV that are not the result of a court conviction are subject to an administrative hearing. You will receive a notice in the mail with more information on your hearing rights.

To reinstate your suspended WI CDL, you must meet requirements issued to you by the DMV and/or court. If you are unsure about your reinstatement requirements, the Wisconsin DMV offers the ability for you to check your reinstatement eligibility and requirements online.

CDL reinstatement may be subject to applying for a new Wisconsin CDL and taking any related driving tests.

When you reinstate your driver’s license, you will have to pay a reinstatement fee. Contact your local DMV for more information on fee costs. Accepted Payment Methods: In person– Cash or major credit card. Online– major credit cards. (Expect to pay a convenience fee.)

Reinstatement fees are in addition to any fines associated with your disqualifying offenses.