Lifetime revocation

​Wisconsin’s lifetime revocation law strengthens the penalties for those who jeopardize the safety of others by repeatedly operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OWI). Lifetime revocation of driving privileges may be permanent under 2017 Wisconsin Act 172.

Wisconsin driving privileges may be revoked permanently:

  • When a person has four or more alcohol or drug impairment-related offenses (whether convicted, revoked, or suspended) and the fourth offense occurs within 15 years of the previous offense.
  • When a person has two alcohol or drug impairment-related convictions, suspensions or revocations within a 25-year period and has two or more qualifying convictions. A qualifying conviction is either:
    • A conviction for second-degree reckless homicide, homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle, or homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
    • A conviction for a crime punishable as a felony under the Motor Vehicle Statute or a felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used.

A person whose license is permanently revoked under any of these provisions is not eligible for an Occupational License.

A person may apply for reinstatement after 10 years if the person meets the general requirements for license reinstatement and:

  • Has not been convicted of certain felonies or misdemeanors related to motor vehicle operation during the 10-years before applying for reinstatement.
  • Submits to, and complies with, an alcohol or drug assessment by an approved public treatment facility, not more than 45 days before applying for reinstatement.

  • §.343.31(1m)(b) - If the number of convictions as counted under §.940.09(1) or §.940.25 plus convictions as counted under §.343.307(1) equals 4 or more and the 4th conviction occurs within 15 years of the previous conviction the department shall revoke for the person's operating privilege permanently.
  • §.343.31(1m)(c) - If the number of convictions as counted under §.940.09(1) or §.940.25 plus convictions as counted under §.343.307(1) equal 2 or more within 25 years and the person has 2 or more qualifying convictions**, the department shall revoke the person's operating privilege permanently.

**Qualifying convictions means any of the following:

Questions:

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