Wisconsin Traffic Tickets: Fines, Violations, and Penalties

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If you get a traffic ticket in Wisconsin, there are many ways to pay. The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns points to traffic tickets. So, if you get a few traffic tickets in a short time, you can face a suspension, revocation, or cancelation of your Wisconsin driver’s license. You have the chance to fight the ticket if you believe you can win. You will also have the change to reinstate your license, depending on the violation.

Wisconsin Traffic Tickets & DMV Point System

The Wisconsin DMV point system is attached to traffic tickets. Every traffic violations will equate to some points. The more convictions you get, the more points you have on your Wisconsin driving records. Accumulating 12 or more points in a year will get a license suspension. So, the lowest number of points you will receive is from the less severe traffic tickets.

Points and Traffic Tickets

Two points traffic violations:

  • Driving too slow
  • Obstructing traffic
  • Defective speedometer

Three points traffic violations:

  • Making illegal turn
  • Failing to use your turn signal
  • Driving without a valid license
  • Tailgating
  • Driving ten mph above the speed limit

Four points traffic violations:

  • Speeding 10 – 20 mph above the speed limit
  • Failure to yield to emergency vehicles
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road

Six points traffic violations:

  • OWI
  • Reckless driving
  • Speeding 20 mph over the speed limit
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Attempting to elude the police
  • Failing to stop at a railroad crossing

Wisconsin Traffic Tickets & Penalties

Wisconsin traffic tickets will vary on the offenses and the convictions. Some traffic tickets will have fines and points to satisfy the violations. Others will include both, additional penalties, mandatory drug and alcohol courses, and an IID installation. The worst that will happen is a suspension, revocation, or cancelation of your driving privileges. The result of the later will be for driving under the influence (DUI) or operating while intoxicated (OWI).

Wisconsin Traffic Tickets Payment Options

If you are ready to plead guilty for your traffic offense, you can choose the payment options available on the ticket. Traffic tickets issued for less severe offenses can be paid online, by phone, in person, or by mail. The more severe violations will require a court appearance.

Online Payment

Paying online is the most convenient way to pay traffic tickets. To pay online, you must create an account and provide all the information on the ticket. You can pay with a credit or debit card.

By Phone

Paying by phone is similar to paying online. When calling the court, have your ticket to provide the information to the clerk. You can pay with a credit or debit card. If the ticket you receive cannot be settled by phone, then you can do so in person.

In Person

Paying in person will require more documents. You must show your driver’s license and provide the ticket information. If you choose to do so in person, you must take the ticket with you. Some location will accept cash. Verify this information when you call before showing up with money only.

By Mail

If your ticket gives you the option to pay by mail, call your county court to confirm the payment location. Inquire about acceptable payment type. Usually, mail payment will accept checks or money order. If your ticket has the option to write your credit or debit card information, you can pay by using one of your cards.

Fighting your Wisconsin Traffic Tickets

You can challenge your traffic ticket if you think you can win. To fight it, you must notify the court of pleading not guilty within ten days of your citation. You can inform the court by mail, fax, or in person. Once you do, wait for a response with your court date and time appearance.