WI Drivers License Point System
Wisconsin’s point system
Demerit points are assessed to drivers when convicted of a moving violation, beginning on the date of the violation. The courts send the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles records of all convictions for moving traffic violations. 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.
Reducing points
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.
Points assessed for convictions
Convictions and the points assessed include, but are not limited to the following:
| Points | Regular convictions |
| 6 | Attempting to elude an officer |
| 6 | Failure to perform duty after accident |
| 3 | Operating while revoked or suspended |
| 6 | Operating under the influence of intoxicant or drugs |
| 6 | Reckless driving or racing |
| 6 | Speeding 20 mph or more over limit |
| 6 | Violation of occupational license |
| 4 | Deviating from traffic lane |
| 4 | Driving on wrong side of highway or street |
| 4 | Failure to yield right of way |
| 4 | Failure to yield to emergency vehicle |
| 4 | Imprudent driving, too fast for conditions, failure to have vehicle under control |
| 4 | Inattentive driving |
| 4 | Failure by operator to stop for school bus when red lights are flashing |
| 4 | Speeding 11 through 19 mph over limit |
| 4 | Unnecessary acceleration |
| 3 | Arterial or traffic control violation |
| 3 | Driving wrong way on one way street |
| 3 | Failure to dim lights |
| 3 | Failure to give proper signal |
| 3 | Following too closely |
| 3 | Illegal passing |
| 3 | Improper brakes or lights |
| 3 | Operating with expired license or without any license |
| 3 | Operating with multiple licenses |
| 3 | Prohibited or illegal turn |
| 3 | Speeding 1 through 10 mph over limit |
| 3 | Violation of restriction |
| 2 | Obstructing traffic |
| 2 | Parking on highway in traffic lane, defective speedometer |
| 0 | License not in person’s immediate possession |
| 0 | No registration plate light |
| Points | Commercial motor vehicle convictions |
| 6 | Operating while disqualified |
| 6 | Operating with alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more but less than 0.08 causing injury |
| 6 | Commercial speeding in excess (20 or more mph over limit) |
| 4 | Commercial speeding intermediate (15 through 19 mph over limit) |
| 3 | Possession of intoxicating beverage while operating or being on duty time with respect to a commercial motor vehicle |
| 3 | Unlawful commercial motor vehicle license or endorsement |
| 0 | Operating a commercial motor vehicle or being on duty time with respect to a commercial motor vehicle while having any measured alcohol concentration above 0.0 but less than 0.04 or within 4 hours of having consumed or having been under the influence of an intoxicating beverage, regardless of alcohol content |
| 0 | Operating with alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more but less than 0.08 and not causing injury |
| Points | Motorcycle convictions |
| 3 | Headlights not lit (daylight hours 0 points) |
| 3 | No cycle license |
| 2 | Defective or repaired handlebars |
| 2 | More than 2 riders (operator) |
| 2 | No eye protection (operator) |
| 0 | No protective headgear |
A complete listing of driver license charges and the points assessed can be obtained by downloading BDS108 (Driver Licensing Abbreviation Codes with Charge & Points) or Driver Licensing Conviction Charge Codes & Points with Statute Numbers BDS109.
Chapter Trans 101, Wisconsin Administrative Code provides complete details on the Wisconsin Point System.