Ticket Fines and Penalties in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Traffic Ticket Fines and Costs

Traffic ticket fines vary throughout the state, contingent on court. This means a citation fine for disobeying a red light in Appleton may not be the same in Madison. Fines especially vary between Municipal and Circuit Courts. Contact the court listed on the citation for questions regarding your fine amount.

If your ticket has gone missing, learn what steps to take in our Lost Traffic Ticket page.

Surcharges and Fees

Along with the traffic ticket fine, you'll also be assessed surcharges and fees as established in the state statutes. These are used to fund various state projects and programs. Depending on the violation and license type you may be assessed some of the following surcharges and fees:

  • Traffic Ticket Base Deposit
  • Court Support Services Fee ($68)―Offsets county court costs
  • Court Cost ($25)
  • Crime Lab and Drug Assessment Fee ($13)―Funds state crime lab activities
  • Penalty Assessment (26% of base deposit)
  • Jail Assessment (1% of base deposit or $10, whichever is greater)―Funds county jail repairs and construction
  • Justice Information System Fee ($21.50 statewide; $25 in Milwaukee)―Funds the computerization of the criminal justice system
  • Railroad Crossing Improvement Assessment (50% of base deposit for violations relating to dangerous railroad crossings)―Funds railroad crossing protection installation and maintenance
  • Driver Improvement Surcharge ($365 for all DUI infractions)―Funds driver improvement programs
  • Truck Driver Education Fee ($8)―Pertains to commercial drivers

Pay Ticket
(Plead Guilty or No Contest)

  • Pay the fine
  • Option to plea bargain penalties
  • Incur points on your driving record (could lead to license suspension/revocation)
  • Possibly incur increase on auto insurance rates
  • Possibly have points reduced by attending traffic school

Learn more about
Pay Traffic Ticket »

Fight Ticket
(Plead Not Guilty)

  • Contest traffic ticket via trial
  • Choose to represent yourself or hire an attorney
  • Possibly lose option to plea bargain for lesser penalties
  • No penalties if found not guilty, but must pay court/attorney fees

Learn more about
Fight Traffic Ticket »

Auto Insurance Increase

Increased auto insurance rates usually coincide with traffic ticket convictions. You can counter a rate hike by shopping for a new provider. Comparing different car insurance rates online is a fast and efficient way for finding coverage that best fits your budget.

WI Driver's License Suspension and Revocation

Suspension and revocation are the terms most commonly associated with loss of Wisconsin driving privileges.

Suspended License―The temporary loss of driving privileges. You may resume driving again once all reinstatement requirements have been satisfied.
Revoked License―The termination of your WI driver's license, usually for an extended period of time. Reinstatement requires reapplying for a new driver's license.

Traffic violations that could cause your license to be suspended or revoked include:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Refusing to be tested for alcohol or drugs
  • Classification as a habitual offender
  • Leaving the scene of an accident in which you were involved, without identifying yourself
  • Being at fault in a motor vehicle accident resulting in death

There are also many factors unrelated to driving the could also cause the DMV to pull your license. You can read more in Wisconsin's Motorists' Handbook.

Penalties for WI Drivers younger Than 21

Wisconsin law requires all drivers younger than 21 to maintain "absolute sobriety." If a police officer determines that you're impaired by alcohol or drugs you could face immediate arrest without being tested. If convicted, your license will be revoked.

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