Will I Lose My License? - Effects of Traffic Violations on Your License

12.15.2023

Author:  Attorney Peter J. Curran

You have just been pulled over and received a citation.  You may be wondering what effect it will have on your driving privileges.  The answer – it depends.

There are some violations that can result in a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license regardless of any other violations you may have on your record.  Those include:

• Operating while intoxicated (OWI)
• Speeding, if over the limit by 25+ miles per hour
• Fleeing law enforcement
• Passing a stopped emergency vehicle
• Injuring or killing someone in a car accident

Even if your citation does not itself directly affect your driving privileges, it may count toward the Wisconsin “point system.”  Under this system, if you accumulate a certain number of points in any given 12-month period, your license may be suspended.  If you accumulate 12 points in a 12-month period, your license will be suspended for two months, with greater suspensions in the event you accumulate more points in that period.  For example, 17-22 points results in a four-month suspension, 23-30 points will lead to a six-month suspension, and 31+ points will get you a one-year suspension.

If you have received a citation (or several) and have questions concerning the effect on your driver’s license, it is important to consult with an attorney who is experienced to explain the potential ramifications on your driving privileges and try to mitigate them.