Session 5 ā Keeping Your Driverās License
KEEPING THE DRIVER LICENSES
In order to keep your driver license, you must drive safely at all times. You can lose your driving privilege for:
- A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Refusing to be tested for alcohol or other drugs if you are asked to do so by a police officer.
- Leaving the scene of an accident in which you are involved, without identifying yourself.
- Failing to notify the DMV of a reportable crash in which you are involved.
- Giving false information when you apply for a driver license.
- Failing to settle a financial judgment made against you
for damages resulting from a motor vehicle crash. - Attempting to change the information on your driver license.
- Failing to appear for a re-examination when requested to do so by the DMV.
- Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony or causing
the death of someone in a motor vehicle crash. - Having too many points on your driving record.
- Letting someone else use your driver license.
- Using someone elseās driver license.
Point System
Your driver record has zero points until you are convicted of violating certain traffic laws. Upon conviction, you are given demerit points, which become part of your driving record. Probationary license holders and those who do not have any type of license (no matter what age) including those who hold only an ID card, will have their points doubled on their second and subsequent convictions.
If you get 6 demerit points within any 12 month period, you will receive a warning letter. The letter will tell you how you can reduce your points by 3 by completing an approved traffic safety course. If you get 12 or more demerit points within any 12-month period, your driving privilege will be suspended or revoked.
Here is a list of traffic violations and their demerit point values:
| Ā 6 points: | Attempting to elude an officer |
| Ā 6 points: | Failure to perform duty after an accident |
| Ā 6 points: | Operating while under the influence |
| Ā 6 points: | Reckless driving |
| Ā 6 points: | Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit |
| Ā 4 points: | Unsafe lane deviation |
| Ā 4 points: | Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle |
| Ā 4 points: | Failure to yield |
| Ā 4 points: | Speeding 11-19 mph over the limit |
| Ā 3 points: | Operating while license is revoked or suspended |
| Ā 3 points: | Driving the wrong way on a one way street |
| Ā 3 points: | Speeding 1-10 mph over the speed limit |
| Ā 3 points: | Violating a license restriction |
Habitual Offender
If you are convicted of 4 or more major traffic violations or 12 or more minor violations within 5 years, the DMV will declare you a habitual offender. (For information about points and major vs. minor violations, visit www.wisconsindmv.gov.) Your driving privilege will be revoked for a period of 5 years. Habitual offenders are not eligible for an occupational license for 2 years after revocation.
Occupational License
If your license is suspended or revoked, visit www.wisconsindmv.gov or call (608) 261-0368 to check your eligibility for an occupational license. If eligible, you will need to provide proof of financial responsibility. This is done by filing an SR22 form to prove you have insurance, or showing that you have other financial means to cover any damage resulting from any future traffic crash. An occupational license allows you to drive up to 12 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week.
Reinstating a Revoked or Suspended License
A revoked license can be reinstated after:
- the period of revocation is over, and
- you file proof of financial responsibility with the Division of Motor Vehicles, and
- Note: Proof must be filed for 3 years from the date you are eligible to reinstate.
- you present proof of identity (a skills test may be required if you have been suspended or revoked for 8 years or more), and
- you pay a reinstatement fee.
A suspended license can be reinstated at the end of the suspension period after a reinstatement fee is paid.