Laws

The majority of your driver’s education training revolves around teaching you to be a safe driver.  A big part of being a safe driver is learning to follow the many laws and regulations that pertain to driving.  The system that we use in Wisconsin is referred to as the point system.  This system is a bit complicated and hard to understand at times.  Much of what is listed below came from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

The Point System and How It Works

• When you first get your license, you start out with zero points on your driver record.
• The only way to get points added to your record is to be convicted of violating certain traffic laws.
• Upon conviction you are given demerit points which become part of your driving record.
• Probationary license holders and those who do not have any type of license (no matter what age) including those who hold only an ID card, will have their points doubled on their second and subsequent convictions.
• If you get 6 demerit points within any 12 month period, you will receive a warning letter. The letter will tell you how you can reduce your points by 3 by completing an approved traffic safety course.
• If you get 12 or more demerit points within any 12-month period, your driving privilege will be suspended or revoked.
• If you are convicted of 4 or more major traffic violations or 12 or more minor violations within 5 years, the DMV will declare you a habitual offender and your driving privilege will be revoked for a period of 5 years.
• Habitual offenders are not eligible for an occupational license for 2 years after revocation.
• Demerit points are assessed to drivers when convicted of a moving violation, beginning on the date of the violation.
• Persons who hold a probationary license are assessed double points for the second and all subsequent points.
• When 12 or more demerit points are accumulated in one year, a suspension of the driver privilege is required, for a minimum of two months.
• Most convictions remain on driver records for five years from the date of conviction, except for serious offenses or alcohol-related convictions, which remain on the record for 55 years.
• The point total may be reduced by three points for attending an approved traffic safety course.
• Only one reduction is allowed in a three year period for points assessed to the A, B, C, D classification.
• One reduction of three points is also allowed in a three year period for points assessed for class M (Motorcycle) violations.

Below is a list of many of the possible convictions and the points that will be assessed if you are convicted: 

6 point convictions:

• Attempting to elude an officer
• Failure to perform duty after accident
• Operating under the influence of intoxicant or drugs
• Reckless driving or racing
• Speeding 20 mph or more over limit
• Violation of occupational license

4 point convictions:

• Deviating from traffic lane
• Driving on wrong side of highway or street
• Failure to yield right of way
• Failure to yield to emergency vehicle
•  Imprudent driving, too fast for conditions, failure to have vehicle under control
• Inattentive driving
• Failure by operator to stop for school bus when red lights are flashing
• Speeding 11 through 19 mph over limit
• Unnecessary acceleration

3 point convictions:

• Operating while revoked or suspended
• Arterial or traffic control violation
• Driving wrong way on one way street
• Failure to dim lights
•  Failure to give proper signal
•  Following too closely
•  Improper brakes or lights
• Illegal passing
• Operating with expired license or without any license
• Operating with multiple licenses
• Prohibited or illegal turn
•  Violation of restriction
• Speeding 1 through 10 mph over limit

2 point convictions:

• Obstructing traffic
• Parking on highway in traffic lane, defective speedometer

0 point convictions:

• No registration plate light
• License not in person’s immediate possession

If there is one thing that I know for sure, it is that you are better off staying on the right side of the law.  I have known plenty of trouble makers over the years who always seem to be on the wrong side.  People who talk rudely about and to police officers, people who argue with and insult police officers when they get pulled over, people who are always trying to break the law to see if they can get away with something.  Here in the United States it is so easy to stay out of trouble and not have to deal with the whole legal system.  Our laws are rather easy and our roads are rather free.  You can spend your time enjoying life or you can spend your time fighting things.  I can say from watching people go through it, being on the wrong side of the law takes a lot of time, money and worry.  Court dates, jail time, paying tickets, suspended or revoked licenses, all can be avoided rather easily.  The police officers aren’t your enemy, they are people that are hired by our government who are just trying to do their jobs.  If you disagree with and would like to change the laws, then get involved in politics, don’t argue it with a police officer.