If you’re cited for a traffic violation in Wisconsin you’ll likely be facing a fine and possibly demerit points going on your driving record (assuming you don’t successfully beat the citation in traffic court). Here are the penalties—including fines and points—for speeding, stop sign, red light, and distracted driving violations in Wisconsin. However, penalties can vary depending on the circumstances.
What are the Fines & Points for Wisconsin Speeding Tickets?
The penalties for speeding tickets in Wisconsin depend mainly on the driver's speed in relation to the speed limit.
Wisconsin has Two Types of Speed Limits
Wisconsin has a basic speeding law and fixed speed limits. The fixed speed limits (also called “absolute” and “maximum” limits) are the fastest you can lawfully drive on the particular roadway. The basic speed law requires consideration of the current conditions and road attributes and prohibits driving at a speed that’s faster than “reasonable and prudent.” (Wis. Stat. Ann. § 346.57 (2024).)
Wisconsin's Speeding Ticket Penalties
|
Type of Violation |
Fine |
Points |
|
Basic speed law violation |
$213.10 |
4 |
|
Second basic speed law within a year |
$263.50 |
4 |
|
1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit |
$175.30 |
3 |
|
11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit |
$175.30 |
4 |
|
16 to 19 miles per hour over the limit |
$200.50 |
4 |
|
20 to 24 miles per hour over the limit |
$225.70 |
6 |
|
25 to 29 miles per hour over the limit |
$250.90 |
6 |
|
30 to 34 miles per hour over the limit |
$295 |
6 |
|
35 to 39 miles per hour over the limit |
$358.00 |
6 |
|
40 to 44 miles per hour over the limit |
$452.50 |
6 |
|
45 or more miles per hour over the limit |
$515.50 |
6 |
For speeding violations in construction and school zones, the fines are substantially more.
What Are the Fines & Points for Stop Sign and Red Light Tickets in Wisconsin?
The penalties for stop sign and red light tickets in Wisconsin vary depending on the driver's record.
Wisconsin's Stop Sign and Stop Light Rules
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked stop line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. Unless there’s a sign prohibiting it, a right turn on red (after first stopping) is allowed in Wisconsin. (Wis. Stat. Ann. § 346.37 (2024); Wis. Stat. Ann. § 346.46 (2024).)
Wisconsin's Stop Sign and Red Light Ticket Penalties
|
Type of Violation |
Fine |
Points |
|
Red light violation |
$175.30 |
3 |
|
Second red light violation within a year |
$213.10 |
3 |
|
Stop sign violation |
$175.30 |
3 |
|
Second stop sign violation within a year |
$213.10 |
3 |
The fines for violations in construction zones are substantially more.
What Are the Fines & Points for Wisconsin Distracted Driving Tickets?
Wisconsin's distracted driving laws impose different penalties depending on the type of vehicle, the driver's record, the type of driver's license, and how the driver violated the law.
Wisconsin's Texting, Cell Phone, and Electronic Device Rules for Drivers
Wisconsin’s distracted driving laws generally prohibit texting and viewing video monitors while operating a vehicle. And recently licensed (those with permits and probationary licenses) and commercial drivers are also restricted from using cell phones while driving (hands-free use is okay for commercial drivers). (Wis. Stat. Ann. § 346.89 (2024).)
Wisconsin's Distracted Driving Penalties
|
Type of Violation |
Fine |
Points |
|
Texting violation |
$187.90 |
4 |
|
Video monitor violation |
$175.30 |
4 |
|
Second video monitor violation within a year |
$200.50 |
4 |
|
Cell phone violation by permit and probationary license holders |
$162.70 |
4 |
|
Second cell phone violation by permit and probationary license holders within a year |
$200.50 |
4 |
|
Handheld device violation by commercial driver |
$175.30 |
4 |
|
Second handheld device violation by commercial driver within a year |
$213.10 |
4 |
Construction zone violations carry higher fines.