DMV Point System in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to track traffic tickets on your driving record.

Below, you'll find information about how the DMV point system can affect your driving privileges and how point distribution works.

Points & Your WI Driver's License

In Wisconsin, your driver's license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points or more within 12 months.

The type of license you have AND the amount of points on your record will determine how long your driving privileges are suspended.

If you have a probationary license OR a WI instruction permit:

  • 12 to 30 points: 6 months.
  • More than 30 points: 1 year.

If you have a regular Wisconsin driver's license OR a commercial driver's license (CDL):

  • 12 to 16 points: 2 months.
  • 17 to 22 points: 4 months .
  • 23 to 30 points: 6 months.
  • More than 30 points: 1 year

If your license is suspended, review our suspended driver's license guide for tips on how to reinstate your driving privileges.

On the (Driving) Record

If you aren't sure how many points you have, check your Wisconsin driving record—especially if you recently received a traffic ticket. Knowing what's on your driving record is just as important as knowing your credit history.

Wisconsin Point Schedule

The severity of the traffic violation you commit will determine how many points you receive on your WI driving record.

Below, you'll find a list of common traffic offenses and their corresponding point values. For the comprehensive point schedule, take a look at Wisconsin's point violations list.

NOTE: If you're a commercial driver, your infraction may result in more points for certain traffic violations than someone with a regular Wisconsin driver's license. Visit our CDL Suspension guide for details.

2-Point Offenses

These are examples of violations that will add 2 points to your Wisconsin driving record:

  • Obstructing traffic.
  • Driving too slowly.
  • Defective speedometer in your car.

3-Point Offenses

Traffic offenses that add 3 points to your WI record include:

  • Failing to use your turn signals.
  • Making an illegal turn.
  • Driving without a valid driver's license.
  • Driving up to 10 MPH over the speed limit.
  • Following too closely behind another vehicle.

4-Point Offenses

You'll receive 4 points on your record for violations like:

  • Driving on the wrong side of the road.
  • Speeding 10 up to 20 MPH over the limit.
  • Failure to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles.
  • Driving too fast for dangerous road/weather conditions.

6-Point Offenses

The Wisconsin DMV will add 6 points to your driving record for traffic violations such as:

  • Leaving the scene of an accident you're involved in.
  • Attempting to elude the police.
  • OWI.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Speeding at least 20 MPH over the limit.
  • Failing to stop at a railroad crossing.

For more serious offenses, like those listed above, you could spend some time in traffic court. For information, check out our guide to fighting traffic tickets.

Clear Your WI Driving Record

In Wisconsin, points typically remain on your driving record for 5 years from the date you're convicted. For offenses involving driving while intoxicated (DWI), points will remain on your record for 55 years.

By enrolling in a WI traffic safety course, you can:

  • Take 3 points off your driving record.
  • Lift a license suspension if you have 12 to 14 points on your record.

You're allowed to take a traffic safety course for point reduction once every 3 years.

Clear Driving Record = Fuller Wallet

Ticket points can mean anything from higher insurance to your policy being cancelled. Keeping your record clean can save you a bundle in car insurance costs.

For more information, check out our Traffic Violations & Car Insurance page.

For specific questions about Wisconsin's point system, contact your local DMV office, or call or e-mail the main DMV offices directly.

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