This section covers the behaviors that most often turn an ordinary trip into a crash: driving impaired, distracted, or drowsy. Wisconsin treats impairment seriously, and the rules here apply to alcohol, illegal drugs, and even prescription and non-prescription medicine. Understanding these behaviors helps you recognize when you are not fit to drive and choose a safer option instead.
For drivers under age 21 the legal alcohol concentration is 0.00%, meaning no alcohol in your system at all, and any amount of a controlled substance is treated the same as driving impaired. It is illegal to drive under the influence of any drug, including prescription and non-prescription medicine, so check warning labels — if a label says not to operate heavy machinery, that includes motor vehicles. Only time will sober you up, so plan a sober ride home. Under the Implied Consent law, if an officer asks you to take a prohibited alcohol concentration (PAC) test — a breathalyzer or blood test — you must agree; refusing means the officer must arrest you and you lose your driving privileges for at least one year plus other consequences.
Distraction is the other main theme. Do not wear headsets or headphones covering both ears, and keep your radio low so you can hear emergency vehicles. Instruction permit and probationary license holders may use a cell phone only to report an emergency, while regular license holders should avoid phones and use a hands-free option if needed. Eat only when parked, keep windows and the rearview mirror clear of clutter, and secure pets. Finally, drowsy driving — from too little sleep, an untreated sleep disorder, or a long shift — is a real hazard, especially for teens and young adults; if you are yawning, blinking a lot, drifting from your lane, or hitting the rumble strip, pull over and rest.
What is the alcohol limit for drivers under 21 in Wisconsin?⌄
It is 0.00%, which means you cannot have any alcohol in your system. In addition, any amount of a controlled substance is treated the same as driving impaired.
What happens if I refuse a PAC test?⌄
Under the Implied Consent law the officer must arrest you for violating that law, and you lose your driving privileges for at least one year, along with other consequences.
Can I use my cell phone while driving with a probationary license?⌄
Instruction permit and probationary license holders may use a cell phone only to report an emergency. Regular license holders should avoid using a phone and use a hands-free option if needed.